Common Knee Problems

Problems of the Patella (Kneecap) Repetitive overuse of the knee joint (as in Runner's Knee), as well as alignment problems of the kneecap, may lead to inflammation and degenerative changes to the underside of the patella. The patella’s smooth cartilage surface that is designed to glide on the end of the femur may become rough due to the degenerative changes.

This knee shows inflammation and degenerative changes to the underside of the patella. The once smooth cartilage has become pitted and worn due to the malalignment.

In the normal condition the patella maintains a centralized position on the articular condyles of the femur throughout knee joint flexion. Alignment problems exist when the patella subluxes laterally during flexion as seen on the far left.