Patellofemoral Pathology

Abstract

Patellofemoral pathologies are a frequently diagnosed group of disorders in the young active population. They are mostly linked to anatomical predispositions or functional alterations (e.g., neuromuscular) that can lead to unfavorable patellofemoral joint kinetics. As a result, patellar instability, patellofemoral pain, and eventually joint degeneration can develop. Thanks to the use of CT scans and conventional radiology, all the anatomical factors that alter patellofemoral kinetics can be easily investigated. Then again, magnetic resonance imaging can also give important information on the state of the cartilage and the medial patellofemoral ligament, the most important stabilizer of the patella over the femoral trochlea. Nonoperative treatment is always the first approach and is focused on improving patellofemoral kinetics with the aim of making the joint more stable and reducing the load on the articular cartilage. When surgical treatment is required, it must be oriented toward correcting the anatomical factors that negatively affect patellofemoral tracking. If instability and joint overload due to patellar maltracking have caused chondral damage, they will need to be repaired while surgical modification of the predisposing factors is carried out.