Knee A to Z

A patellar clunk is an uncomfortable clunk noise (and feeling) around the patella, usually associated with certain types of knee replacement, and due to scarring above the patella. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar dislocation is a painful and distressing event, when the patella jumps clean out of the restraining walls of the groove in which it normally rides. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar dysplasia means an abnormally-shaped patella. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

A patellar fracture is a traumatic break of the patella bone (knee cap). Page updated April 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar instability is when the kneecap does not ride smoothly throughout its excursion in the underlying groove of the femur, popping over to one side, or even de-railing. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar malalignment is present when the kneecap - for whatever reason - does not sit optimally in the underlying groove as the knee bends and straightens. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar mobilisations are soft tissue stretches around the kneecap that prevent adhesions from tethering it down and causing a stiff knee. Page updated February 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar resurfacing is a surgical procedure to replace the joint surface of the patella.

The patellar retinaculum is the fibrous material at the sides of the patella, that act to stabilise it. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellar subluxation is when the patella rides suddenly up the side of its groove, but does not fully dislocate. Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)