title: Assessment and management of chronic patellofemoral instability.
abstract: Chronic patellofemoral instability can be a disabling condition. Management of patients with this condition has improved owing to our increased knowledge of the functional anatomy of the patellofemoral joint. Accurate assessment of the underlying pathology in the unstable joint enables the formulation of appropriate treatment. The surgical technique employed in patients for whom non-operative management has failed should address the diagnosed abnormality. We have reviewed the literature on the stabilising features of the patellofemoral joint, the recommended investigations and the appropriate forms of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Mulford
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wakeley
authors.forename: J D J
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Eldridge
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010329:Patella / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D031222:Patellar Dislocation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed