P
Patellar tilt
Patellar tilt is when the patella is tilted to one side, generally the lateral (outer) side, associated with tightness in the lateral retinaculum, the fibrous restraint at the lateral side of the patella. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Patellar tilt test
The patellar tilt test assesses the tautness of the retinacular tissue on either side of the patella. A tight retinaculum on one side may cause excessive pressure against the wall of the underlying groove, leading to pain. Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Patellar tracking
Patellar tracking is the gliding of the patella within the underlying groove of the femur bone.
Patella stabilisation
Patellar stabilisation methods include braces and surgery to reduce the tendency of the patella to sublux or dislocate sideways out of its underlying groove.
Patellectomy
Patellectomy is a surgical procedure where part or all of the patella bone is cut out. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Patellofemoral
'Patellofemoral' means that area of the knee where the kneecap (patella) is in contact with the thighbone (femur).
Patellofemoral arthritis
Patellofemoral arthritis is osteoarthritic joint cartilage destruction of the patellofemoral joint - either the patella, or the trochlear groove, or both.
Patellofemoral dislocation
Patellofemoral dislocation is when the patella jumps completely out of the walls of the groove in the femur bone, making the joint look horribly deformed. Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Patellofemoral instability
In patellofemoral instabilty the patella (kneecap) changes its relationship to the groove of the femur bone (thighbone) and may partially or fully de-rail.
Patellofemoral joint
The patellofemoral joint is the contact area between the undersurface of the patella and the groove of the femur bone. Page updated July 2024 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)