Espiral AtlasPatellar surface of the femur
facies patellaris
Study entry
Description
A shallow, longitudinal depression in front, where the condyles merge.
Relations
It articulates with the patella, which glides over it in flexion and extension.
Palpation
The medial and lateral margins, with the knee flexed.
Source: cap. 7, «Huesos del miembro inferior: fémur» y «Anatomía de superficie»
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