Articular surface of the patella

Study entry

Description

The posterior surface, smooth, covered by thick cartilage and divided by a vertical ridge into a medial part (narrower) and a lateral part (wider).

Relations

The ridge and the balanced pull of the vasti keep the patella centered on the patellar surface of the femur.

Source: cap. 7, «Huesos del miembro inferior: patela»

Clinical correlation

Chondromalacia patellae and patellofemoral syndrome

Chondromalacia patellae is softening of the cartilage of the patella («runner's knee»), common in marathon runners and in running sports such as basketball. Pain around or behind the patella comes from imbalance of the quadriceps; it can also appear after a blow to the patella or extreme flexion of the knee (squatting to lift weight). In patellofemoral syndrome, the patella glides abnormally on the patellar surface of the femur and the repeated microtrauma hurts; direct contusion or osteoarthritis of this compartment also causes it.

Related clinical cases

• Chondromalacia patellae and patellofemoral syndrome

Other structures in this region

• Ilium
• Ischium
• Pubis
• Ala of the ilium
• Anterior superior iliac spine
• Anterior inferior iliac spine
• Posterior superior iliac spine
• Posterior inferior iliac spine