Patellofemoral Instability

What is Patellofemoral Instability?

Patellofemoral instability usually presents with the patient having a sensation of their kneecap (patella) 'slipping away' or feeling loose on movement of the knee. This may be associated with pain in the anterior (front) of the knee and swelling.

Patellofemoral instability can be classified into two main groupings:

Primary Instability:

This type of instability can evolve from a number of different mechanisms, such as:

• Lax or over-flexible ligaments around the knee
• The location of the patella being too high within the knee joint (patella alta)
• The tibial tuberosity may lie anatomically towards the outside (lateral) surface of the tibia.

Secondary Instability:

This condition results from a previous knee dislocation. The medial patellofemoral ligament is the main stabiliser of the patella in preventing the patella from shifting laterally. During a knee dislocation this structure may be severely compromised resulting in patellofemoral instability.

Treatment of Patellofemoral Instability:

Initially a quad strengthening programme may be used, in combination with patella taping to reduce excess movement. If this is not successful, one of several surgical procedures may be used to either release tight lateral structures or repair the injured medial patellofemoral ligament.

Useful Products:

• Cold Therapy - helps to ease pain and reduce swelling
• Knee Supports - help to support and protect the knee, and retains therapeutic body heat.
• Zinc Oxide Tape - to tape the patella and reduce patella movement.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Patellofemoral Instability and other knee injuries