The patellofemoral joint: from dysplasia to dislocation

Stefano Zaffagnini1,2, Alberto Grassi1,2, Gianluca Zocco3

  • 1Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Dipartimento Rizzoli Sicilia, Bagheria (PA), Italy.

EFORT Open Reviews
|June 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Patellofemoral dysplasia, a key cause of knee instability, has an unclear origin and complex biomechanics. Personalized treatment is crucial due to the lack of universal guidelines for managing this challenging condition.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Biomechanics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Patellofemoral dysplasia is a significant risk factor for patellofemoral joint instability.
  • The etiology of patellofemoral dysplasia remains controversial, with debates on genetic versus developmental causes.
  • Understanding biomechanical effects and risk factors is crucial for managing recurrent patellar dislocations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively evaluate radiographic, MRI, and CT parameters for assessing patellofemoral dysplasia.
  • To guide clinicians in managing primary and recurrent patellar dislocations.
  • To address the complex biomechanical behavior and controversial etiology of patellofemoral dysplasia.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive evaluation of radiographic, MRI, and CT parameters.
  • Analysis of anatomical and demographic risk factors for recurrent dislocations.
  • Review of biomechanical effects on patellar stability and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Patellofemoral dysplasia significantly predisposes individuals to patellofemoral joint instability.
  • Current understanding lacks consensus on etiology and universally accepted treatment guidelines.
  • Personalized treatment approaches are necessary due to individual anatomical variations.

Conclusions:

  • Patellofemoral dysplasia is a complex and challenging condition with an uncertain etiology.
  • A thorough assessment using advanced imaging is vital for patient management.
  • Tailored treatment strategies are essential for addressing the specific anatomical abnormalities causing symptoms.

Related Concept Videos

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella01:16

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the...
8.8K
Knee Joint01:23

Knee Joint

The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
3.5K
Functional Classification of Joints01:09

Functional Classification of Joints

Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses  or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An...
8.3K
Ankle Joint01:10

Ankle Joint

The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
3.2K
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints01:07

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
2.5K
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints01:17

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
4.4K