What Do You Need to Know About Patellofemoral Joint?

The patellofemoral joint is where the patella connects to the femur. The joint plays an important role in various activities that may include climbing, walking on an inclined plane, bending the knee, running, and many other movements involving the knees. Therefore, the common injury of this joint is known as “runner’s knee.” 

In this post, we will discuss the patellofemoral joint in detail along with its function and conditions that affect the joint. 

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Patellofemoral Joint – An Overview

The patellofemoral joint has a complex structure comprising static structures i.e., bones & ligaments, and dynamic elements i.e., neuromuscular system. There is a complex network of muscles and connective tissues in the patellofemoral joint, and the bony surfaces are covered with articular cartilage. This helps with the smooth movement of the joint. 

The kneecap sits in a groove within the thigh and is known as the patellofemoral groove. 

What Are the Functions of Patellofemoral Joints?

The patellofemoral joint is involved in various movements that we perform in our day-to-day lives. Some of these commonly performed activities include:

• Walking uphill or downhill

• Going upstairs or downstairs

• Squatting

• Kneeling

• Sitting or standing up from a seated position

What Conditions Affect Patellofemoral Joints?

The patellofemoral joint is involved in almost all types of knee movements and hence, it is prone to several conditions. Here are some of the common conditions that this joint can experience:

Patellofemoral Arthritis

This is the condition in which the cartilage in the groove wears away. Besides this, the cartilage at the back of the patella also gets damaged. This results in the inflammation of the joint along with difficulty in the movement of the injured knee. A history of a fracture and a condition like dysplasia increases the risk of patellofemoral arthritis. 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs because of repeated contact of joint surfaces or misalignment. Besides pain, the joint may also experience irritation, inflammation, and reduced range of motion. Such conditions may occur because of acute injuries like the ones that occur when someone hits the knee with a solid object, overuse of the joint, and chronic wear & tear because of daily activities. 

Chondromalacia

This is a condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage present on the underside of the kneecap. This occurs because of irritation in the joint caused by rigorous activities. Therefore, chondromalacia is common in athletes like runners, soccer players, and cyclists. It requires surgical repair. 

Patellar Dislocation

This painful condition involves the slipping of the kneecap out of its groove. Such a condition may occur because of high-impact injuries, patella alta (high-riding kneecap), or a shallow patellofemoral groove. Dislocation can also damage the cartilage and surgical repair may be required for the same. 

The treatment of these conditions depends on the severity. Most cases can be managed with medications like NSAIDs, exercises, physical therapy, healthy weight management, and cortisone injections. Severe cases require surgical intervention. 

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