Patellofemoral Joint Injuries

The patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is the joint between the kneecap (patella) and thigh bone (femur).

The PFJ can dislocate, in which the kneecap 'pops' out laterally. It can also give rise to pain through poor tracking of the kneecap in its groove. Pain arising from maltracking of the patella is called patellofemoral pain syndrome also known as patellofemoral malalignment or chondromalacia patellae .

Treatment for this condition includes quadriceps strengthening exercises and taping or strapping. Both unstable and maltracking kneecaps may benefit from a special kneecap stabilising brace (patellar knee brace) which helps to pull the kneecap into better anatomical alignment.