title: Imaging of the patellofemoral joint.
abstract: The patellofemoral (PF) joint is a complex articulation, with interplay between the osseous and soft tissue structures to maintain the balance between knee mobility and stability. Disorders of the PF joint can be a source of anterior knee pain (AKP). In this article, radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging of the PF joint are reviewed, including normal anatomy, imaging techniques, and imaging-based measurements. Common imaging findings associated with AKP are reviewed, including symptomatic normal variants, tendinopathy, apophysitis, osteoarthritis, chondromalacia patella, trochlear dysplasia, excessive lateralization of tibial tuberosity, patellar maltracking, patellar dislocation and fractures, anterior bursitis, Morel-Lavallée effusions, and fat pad edema.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rupiper
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2026, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Electronic address: sstacy@radiology.bsd.uchicago.edu.
authors.forename: G Scott
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Stacy
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010329:Patella / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D057071:Patellofemoral Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology
keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Patellar instability; Patellar malalignment; Patellofemoral joint