What is patellar subluxation?
The patella, or kneecap slides up and down a groove called the trochlea on the end of the thigh bone as the knee bends. The patella is designed to fit in the center of this trochlea, and slide evenly within it. In some people, the patella is pulled towards the outside of the knee. As this happens, the patella does not slide centrally within its groove. This improper tracking may not cause the patient any problems, or it may lead to dislocation of the patella (where the kneecap fully dislocates out of the groove). Most commonly, the tracking problem causes discomfort with activity, and pain around the sides of the kneecap. Patellar subluxation is a condition that usually affects adolescent, and sometimes younger children.
