Menu

Patellofemoral Instability and Dislocation

Patellofemoral Instability

The knee can be divided into three compartments: patellofemoral, medial and lateral compartment. The patellofemoral compartment is the compartment in the front of the knee between the knee cap and thigh bone. The medial compartment is the area on the inside portion of the knee, and the lateral compartment is the area on the outside portion of the knee joint. Patellofemoral instability means that the patella (kneecap) moves out of its normal pattern of alignment. This malalignment can damage the underlying soft structures such as muscles and ligaments that hold the knee in place.

Patella (knee cap) is a protective bone attached to the quadriceps muscles of the thigh by quadriceps tendon. Patella attaches with the femur bone and forms a patellofemoral joint. Patella is protected by a ligament which secures the kneecap from gliding out and is called as medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL).

What is patellofemoral instability and dislocation?

What causes the patella to dislocate?

Why may my patella be unstable?

What are symptoms of patellofemoral instability problems?

How do you diagnose patellofemoral instability and dislocation?

How do you manage patellofemoral instability problems?

Will surgery be necessary?

What are some of the risks of surgery?

map
Shellharbour Public Hospital
15-17 Madigan Blvd
Mount Warrigal NSW 2528
Escarpment Orthopaedics & Sports
54 Princes Highway
West Wollongong NSW 2500
Wollongong Private Hospital
360/364 Crown St
Wollongong NSW 2500
Wollongong Public Hospital
252 Loftus St
Locked Bag 8808
South Coast Mail Centre