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Patellofemoral joint
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The patellofemoral joint is a plane synovial joint formed by the articulation of the patellar surface of femur and the posterior surface of the patella.
The patella is a triangular shaped sesamoid bone, with a curved proximal base and a pointed distal apex. Its posterior surface is covered with articular cartilage. The patella is tightly embedded and held in place by the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. On the distal part of the patella, an extension of the quadriceps tendon forms a central thick band called the patellar ligament, which extends from the patellar apex to the superior area of the tibial tuberosity.
The patellar surface of femur is a groove on the anterior aspect of the distal femur, which extends posteriorly into the intercondylar fossa. It articulates with the patella in the anterior region.
The patellofemoral joint is reinforced by the medial patellofemoral and lateral patellofemoral ligaments which provide stability and prevent subluxation and dislocation of the patella.
| Terminology |
English: Patellofemoral joint Synonym: Patellar part of knee joint Latin: Articulatio patellofemoralis Synonyms: Articulatio femoropatellaris, Pars patellaris articulationis genus |
| Definition | The patellofemoral joint is a plane synovial joint formed by the articulation of the patellar surface of femur and the posterior surface of the patella. |
Learn more about the two articulations comprising the knee joint in the following study unit:
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