Guidelines

How is patellar subluxation diagnosed?

How is patellar subluxation diagnosed?

To diagnose a patellar subluxation, your doctor will bend and straighten the injured knee and feel the area around the kneecap. X-rays may be used to see how the kneecap fits into the groove at the bottom of the patella and to identify any other possible bone injuries.

What does patellar tracking disorder look like?

If you have a patellar tracking problem, you may have: Pain in the front of the knee, especially when you squat, jump, kneel, or use stairs (most often when going down stairs). A feeling of popping, grinding, slipping, or catching in your kneecap when you bend or straighten your leg.

What are two causes for abnormal patellar tracking?

Patellar tracking disorder is usually caused by several problems combined, such as:

  • Weak thigh muscles.
  • Tendons, ligaments, or muscles in the leg that are too tight or too loose.
  • Activities that stress the knee again and again, especially those with twisting motions.

What causes a misshapen patella to maltrack?

Another cause of Patellar Maltracking is a misshapen patella which can be caused due to an injury or direct trauma to the kneecap or patella or due to a surgical procedure done around the patellar region.

Is it possible to diagnose patellar tracking disorder?

Diagnosis of patellar tracking disorder can be difficult, because it’s part of a broad range of conditions that can affect the knee, with fairly similar symptoms. Unless the patella is severely dislocated, there may be little visual evidence of the problem.

What causes patellofemoral maltracking in total knee surgery?

Complications involving the patellofemoral joint are the most common reasons for revision surgery following total knee arthroplasty. Patellar maltracking is largely preventable, however, with accurate surgical technique including precise femoral and tibial component positioning.

Who is most at risk for patellar maltracking?

Patellar maltracking is quite common in athletes and people who are extremely physically active. These injuries are seen more in people who play high impact sports like football and rugby. Among the various injuries that can happen to the patella, Patellar maltracking is one such injury.