الفهرس 
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Abstract
Disorders of the patellofemoral joint are the primary cause of anterior knee pain, are often multifactorial and overlapping and can lead to confusion regarding the correct diagnosis and treatment.
An understanding of the normal function of the patellofemoral joint is essential for any evaluation involving patellofemoral dysfunction, such understanding results from integration of the anatomy and biomechanics.
Various causes can be diagnosed, including skeletal alignment abnormalities, patellar instability, overuse, overload, biomechanical problems and poor neuromuscular control of the lower extremity.
Diagnosis of the patellofemoral disorders start with taking history of the problem during which specific complaints are identified and the physician attempts to identify any contributing factors for knee problem. The next step is to start physical examination which includes tracking of the patella, strength of muscles around the knee cap, tightness of the tissues and ligaments around the knee cap, areas of tenderness in the soft tissues, areas of tenderness on the underside of the patella, location of the patella, the presence of abnormal grinding of the patella as it moves and the liability of the patella to be sublaxed or dislocated.
Standard radiographic evaluation including antero-posterior, lateral and axial views should be obtained in each patient with patellofemoral disorders. CT scan has been widely used to study the patellofemoral joint in the first 20 degrees of flexion where it cannot be investigated using traditional radiographic techniques.
MRI combines the accuracy of the osseous measurements made on CT with the ability to visualize the soft tissue. The role of arthroscopy in the evaluation of the patellofemoral joint has been recognized for a long time. It allows direct visualization of both patellar tracking and cartilage abnormalities.
Conservative treatment has been the main stay of therapy for patellafemoral disorders. The surgical correction of patellofemoral disorders can be proposed when conservative treatment fails.
Generally three categories of operations prevail, proximal realignment, distal realignment and procedures where no alteration in the alignment of the extensor mechanism is contemplated.