Implications of squinting patellae
A squinting patella usually implies a rotational deformity of one or both of the long bones - femur or tibia.
The anomaly may not cause symptoms, but sometimes leads to anterior knee pain.
Peer-reviewed papersQuote from peer-reviewed paper:
"...In cases caused by a combined increased tibial external torsion and increased femoral internal torsion we are talking about the ‘inwardly pointing knee’ - syndrome...."
Citation: Liße J, Perl M, Dickschas J. Double-level torsional osteotomy a treatment for the 'inwardly pointing knee' syndrome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Jun;143(6):2863-2875. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04446-w. Epub 2022 May 12. PMID: 35551448; PMCID: PMC10191926.
Management of the symptomatic squinting patella
Because the problem is usually due to rotation in the bones, physiotherapy may not prove useful, and the symptomatic patient may look to a surgical solution.
X-rays and scans will be needed to determine exactly where the rotation lies, and the problem may affect both femur and tibia.
Surgery will usually involve a de-rotation osteotomy.
Peer-reviewed papersQuote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....isolated tibial or femoral torsional osteotomies showed a significant reduction of anterior knee pain and patellar instability...."
Citation: Liße J, Perl M, Dickschas J. Double-level torsional osteotomy a treatment for the 'inwardly pointing knee' syndrome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Jun;143(6):2863-2875. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04446-w. Epub 2022 May 12. PMID: 35551448; PMCID: PMC10191926.
Forum discussions
- HELP: My leg is like a puzzle
Patients discuss rotational deformity of the leg.