Information About Kneecap (Patella) Conditions
Patella (Kneecap) Conditions
Information about several common patellar problems that usually cause pain over the front of the knee (anterior knee pain). These are often due to changes on the undersurface of the kneecap.
Chondromalacia (Runner's Knee)
Chondromalacia patellae, also called Runner's Knee, is a common orthopedic condition that refers to softening of the articular cartilage of the kneecap.
Patellar tendonitis, also call jumper's knee, is pain in the band of tissue that connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
Patellar Subluxation & Dislocation
Also called an unstable kneecap, patients who experience this painful knee condition have a patella that does not track evenly within its groove on the femur.
Prepatellar bursitis, or Housemaid's Knee Syndrome, is a condition of swelling and inflammation over the front of the knee. This is commonly seen in patients who kneel for extended periods, such as carpet layers and gardeners.
Patellar and Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
The quadriceps tendon and the patellar tendon (or patellar ligament) are important components of the extensor mechanism of the knee. Treatment of injuries of the quadriceps or patellar tendon often requires surgery.
A patella fracture is an injury to the kneecap. Most patella fractures heal well and patients tend to return to their previous level of activities.
What is a bipartite patella?
A bipartite patella is a problem that occurs when the kneecap bone fails to fuse together in childhood. Most often, the bipartite patella is not an issue, but it can become irritated and inflamed and require further treatment.
Lateral Release of the Patella
A lateral release of the patella is a procedure used to loosen the tight tissue attached to the kneecap. By performing a lateral release, the patella is allowed to fit into its proper position in the groove at the end of the thigh bone.
Straight Leg Raise Test
A straight leg raise test is done by having the patient lie flat on a bed. With the leg straight, the patient should then raise their foot off the bed and hold it in the air. A disruption of the quadriceps tendon, patella, or patellar tendon can lead to inability to perform a straight leg raise.
A kneecap dislocation occurs when the patella comes out of its groove on the end of the thigh bone. Kneecap dislocations are painful injuries, and often become a recurrent problem. Treatment of repeat kneecap dislocations may require surgery to stabilize the patella.
A torn patellar tendon is a serious injury to the knee. Most often occurring...
Patellar tendon tears occur during sports activities. In general all patellar tendon tears are treated with surgery.