The patellofemoral joint is a very common source of knee pain. It can be a primary source or it can also be due to injuries to other structures causing irritation of the patellofemoral joint. We believe it is very important to palpate each individual structure of the patellofemoral joint, assess patella mobility, and also determine if there is any associated quadriceps atrophy in helping to devise a treatment plan for a particular patient.
About the Author: Robert LaPrade, MD
Robert LaPrade, MD, PhD has specialized skills and expertise in diagnosing and treating complicated knee injuries. He has treated athletes at all levels, including Olympic, professional and intercollegiate athletes, and has returned numerous athletes back to full participation after surgeries. Recognized globally for his outstanding and efficient surgical skills and dedication to sports medicine, he has received many research awards, including the OREF Clinic Research Award considered by many a Nobel Prize in orthopedics. Dr. LaPrade is one of the most published investigators in his field, and many of the surgeries that he has developed are now performed worldwide and recognized as the “gold standard” for the treatment of complex knee injuries.