A Philosophy of the Patellofemoral Joint: A Logical Clinical Approach

A philosophy or pathomechanical and pathophysiological theory of the patellofemoral joint is described which leads to a logical etiology-based clinical classification, provides a framework for measurement and analysis of the six anatomic abnormalities that affect the normal function of the patellofemoral joint, and presents a simple and logical approach to treatment, both operative and non-operative. This theory, based on the careful clinical measurement of these six potential abnormalities, is also able to explain the two major symptoms of patellofemoral disorders, anterior knee pain and patellar instability, using available scientific data.