Where is the patellofemoral joint located?
The patellofemoral joint is where the back of your patella (kneecap) and femur (thigh bone) meet at the front of your knee. It’s involved in climbing, walking on an incline, and several other knee movements. It’s also the joint affected by a common injury called “runner’s knee.”
What is patellar subluxation?
The patella (kneecap) normally sits in a groove at the center of the bottom end of the thigh bone. A patellar subluxation means that the kneecap has briefly slid out of its normal place in that groove. In most cases the kneecap moves towards the outside of the body when it slides out of place.
What is mild lateralization of the patella?
This is called patellar lateralization (outward drifting of the kneecap) or patellar subluxation. The drifting out oft he slide bearing leads to an increased contact pressure of the kneecap onto the slide bearing, which can damage the joint cartilage and eventually leads to an arthrosis.
What is the treatment for patellofemoral osteoarthritis?
Nonsurgical Treatment Treatment of patellofemoral arthritis is similar to the treatment of knee arthritis in general. Most cases can be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical options include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How do you fix patellofemoral pain?
Treatment of patellofemoral pain often begins with simple measures. Rest your knee as much as possible. Avoid or modify activities that increase the pain, such as climbing stairs, kneeling or squatting….Therapy
- Rehabilitation exercises.
- Supportive braces.
- Taping.
- Ice.
- Knee-friendly sports.
Can patella alta be cured without surgery?
In severe cases of patella alta where the kneecap keep dislocating, or when conservative treatment fails, then surgery is necessary to effectively treat the condition.
How long does a patellar subluxation take to heal?
Physical therapy is very important to restrengthen the muscles while limiting the range of motion until the joint is restabilized. It takes about six weeks to three months to fully recover from a dislocated patella.
Can patellofemoral arthritis be cured?
There is no quick fix for patellofemoral joint pain. Most patellofemoral joint pain resolves with a comprehensive course of physiotherapy. Physiotherapy may involve hands on treatment, taping techniques to reduce your pain and a progressive loading programme to improve the strength and mechanics of your leg.
How do you fix a patellar subluxation?
Nonsurgical treatment includes:
- RICE (rest, icing, compression, and elevation)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- physical therapy.
- crutches or a cane to take weight off the knee.
- braces or casts to immobilize the knee.
- specialized footwear to decrease pressure on the kneecap.
How do you treat patella alta?
If a patient has significant patella alta that is causing specific problems (instability and/or patellofemoral wear/pain) then this can be treated effectively by surgically shifting the patella downwards by however far is necessary to put it into the normal position.
What is the surgery for patella alta?
Tibial tuberosity osteotomy can be performed in patients with patella alta. With this surgery they move the attachment of the patellar ligament downwards to the tibia. The patella is also attached to this ligament, so the patella moves downwards.