Download patella pain - Orthopedic Institute Idaho

KNEECAP REALIGNMENT
•If the kneecap is malaligned, the first choice of treatment is always
conservative
•If conservative treatment is not helpful, surgery is sometimes considered.
RELEASING TISSUE
•One way of realigning the kneecap is to
release tissue on the outside of the knee this is called a lateral release
•This surgery is somewhat controversial, but
can be effective
MOVING A QUADRICEPS MUSCLE
•If the kneecap is unstable, structures on the
inside of the knee can be tightened
•This helps realign the kneecap
SHIFTING THE ATTACHMENT
•If the kneecap is severely malaligned,
moving the attachment of the kneecap
tendon on the shinbone can be considered
•In this surgery, the attachment on the
shinbone is moved to the inside to realign
the kneecap
Orthopedic Institute
1151 Hospital Way, Building D • Pocatello, ID 83201
98 Poplar Street, 3rd Floor • Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 239-8010 • www.EastIdahoOrtho.com
PATELLA PAIN
THE KNEECAP AND KNEE JOINT
The Quadriceps are the big muscles in
front of the thigh. These attach to the
kneecap (patella) via the quadricep tendon.
The kneecap (patella) allows the
quadriceps to straighten the leg
more effectively.
THE KNEECAP IN ACTION
•The kneecap sits in the groove on the front of the thigh bone, and normally
moves smoothly
•In some people, the kneecap is malaligned, and does not sit properly in the
groove
PATELLAR TENDINITIS
•The patellar tendon connects the
kneecap to the shin bone
•In some cases, this tendon can
become inflamed and painful
•Treatment for this condition is almost
always conservative, using physical
therapy, bracing, and modification of
activity
PLICA BAND SYNDROME
•A plica band is a remnant of knee
development in infancy. Occasionally
this can cause pain in adolescents or
adults
•In some cases, surgery is considered
CARTILAGE DAMAGE
•Cartilage damage can be
caused because of wear and
tear or injury
•Often times this leads to pain
and grinding under the
kneecap
DISLOCATION
•In some cases, the kneecap
slips out of the groove and
can cause pain, soreness
and swelling
•This can often be treated
with physical therapy
•If this becomes a persistent
problem, surgery can be
considered