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Parrot-beak tear

A parrot-beak tear of the meniscus is an oblique tear of the knee meniscus where the torn end rounds off to resemble a parrot's beak. Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Partial knee arthroplasty

A partial knee arthroplasty replaces part of the knee joint with an implant. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Partial knee replacement

A partial knee replacement (or unicompartmental knee replacement) replaces one region (compartment) of the knee with a metal and plastic implant. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Partial meniscal replacement

A partial meniscal replacement substitutes an irreparably-damage portion of meniscus with a substitute, such as tissue-engineered collagen. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Partial meniscectomy

A partial meniscectomy is the removal of a part of a knee meniscus. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Passive extension

Passive extension is the activity of assessing the amount of knee extension possible without muscle contraction, and a passive extension stretch is an exercise to keep the tissues mobile while the extensor muscles are being rehabilitated. Page updated April 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Paste graft

A paste graft is a technique of cartilage repair, using morcelised cartilage.

Patella

The patella is the kneecap, the bone sitting over the front of the knee. Plural = 'patellae'. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patella alta

In patella alta the kneecap rides too high up on the femur (thigh bone). This may make it liable to sublux or even dislocate. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patella baja

Patella baja is a kneecap that is positioned abnormally low in relation to the groove of the femur. It is also known as patella infera or infrapatellar contracture syndrome. Page content approved May 2024 by Dr Lars Blond (Knee Surgeon)