Knee A to Z

Patellofemoral arthritis is osteoarthritic joint cartilage destruction of the patellofemoral joint - either the patella, or the trochlear groove, or both.

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)

In patellofemoral instabilty the patella (kneecap) changes its relationship to the groove of the femur bone (thighbone) and may partially or fully de-rail.

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)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain experienced - in the absence of any specific injury - in the front of the knee, and arising from stress to the patella or the anatomical  structures closely associated with it. Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Patellofemoral resurfacing is a partial knee replacement involving the areas of both patella and femur where they come into contact.

Patellofemoral subluxation is when the patella briefly jumps almost out of the walls of the groove in the femur bone, but then returns to its normal position.

Patellofemoral syndrome is pain experienced around the kneecap and which may be caused by a combination of several possible factors.

The patellofemoral engagement index is a measurement derived from MRI images and which gives an idea of the degree of patella alta in patients with recurrent instability.

Pathophysiology is the disordered body processes associated with disease or injury.