Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (983 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
The articulation between the articular surface of the patella and the patellar surface of the femur.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Joint, Patellofemoral; Joints, Patellofemoral; Patellofemoral Joints; Femoropatellar Articulation; Articulation, Femoropatellar; Femoropatellar Articulations; Patellofemoral Articulation; Articulation, Patellofemoral.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Knee Joint
Related concepts
- Patella
- Femur
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 2,674 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Patellofemoral Joint” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 1,371 of them (51.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 1,371 records.
Reviews account for 417 records (15.6%) and meta-analyses for 80. Randomized controlled trials number 68 (2.5%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 34 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,342 |
| 2020 onward | 1,371 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 417 | 15.6% |
| Meta-analyses | 80 | 3.0% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 68 | 2.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Patellofemoral Joint"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability: analysis of outcomes and risk factors | 2021 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 52 | cc by PMID 33823887 · DOI · PMC8022360 |
| Lateral retinacular release combined with MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: a systematic review | 2021 | Systematic review Design not recorded in structured metadata | 42 | cc by PMID 33315122 · DOI · PMC7886734 |
| Chondral injuries in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation: a systematic review | 2022 | Systematic review Design not recorded in structured metadata | 41 | cc by PMID 35101078 · DOI · PMC8802427 |
| Surgeon Training and Revision Rates After Patellofemoral Arthroplasty | 2025 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 7 | cc by PMID 40577013 · DOI · PMC12205405 |
Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability: analysis of outcomes and risk factors [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundThe medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is always damaged after patellar dislocation.
- Closing excerpt
- Patients with pathoanatomical predisposing factors reported worse surgical outcomes.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (167 words)
BackgroundThe medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is always damaged after patellar dislocation. In selected patients, MPFL reconstruction is necessary to restore a correct patellar tracking. Despite the large number of different techniques reported to reconstruct the MPFL, there is no consensus concerning the optimal procedure, and debates is still ongoing. The present study analysed the results after isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral instability. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis of patients presenting pathoanatomical risk factors was made.MethodsIn November 2020, the main electronic databases were accessed. All articles reporting the results of primary isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Only articles reporting a minimum 12-month follow-up were eligible.ResultsData from a total of 1777 knees were collected. The mean age of the patients involved was 22.8 ± 3.4 years. The mean follow-up was 40.7 ± 25.8 months. Overall, the range of motion (+ 27.74; P ConclusionIsolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability provides reliable surgical outcomes. Patients with pathoanatomical predisposing factors reported worse surgical outcomes.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33823887 · DOI · PMC8022360
Lateral retinacular release combined with MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: a systematic review [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionThe role of the lateral retinaculum in patellofemoral instability is still debated.
- Closing excerpt
- Level of evidenceIV, Systematic review.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (270 words)
IntroductionThe role of the lateral retinaculum in patellofemoral instability is still debated. Lateral retinacular release (LRR), has been extensively performed in combination with different surgical procedures, including reconstruction of medio-patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Despite controversial indications, the results from these studies seem promising. The present study conducts a systematic review about current biomechanical and clinical evidence concerning the role of LRR in combination with MPFL reconstruction. We performed a comprehensive literature research, comparing the outcomes of MPFL reconstruction with and without LRR.Materials and methodsThis systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed in August 2020. All articles describing the outcome of isolated MPFL reconstruction alone or in combination with a LRR in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Only articles reporting data on patients with a minimum of 12-month follow-up were included. Only articles reporting quantitative data under the outcomes of interest were included.ResultsA total of 63 articles were eligible for this systematic review, including 2131 knees. The mean follow-up was 40.87 ± 24.1 months. All scores of interests improved in favour of the combined group: Kujala + 3.8% (P = 0.01), Lysholm + 4.2% (P = 0.004), Tegner + 0.8 points (P = 0.04), IKDC + 9.8% (P = 0.02). The ROM was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.4). Similarity was found in terms of positivity to the apprehension test (P = 0.05), rate of complications (P = 0.1), re-dislocations (P = 0.8), and revision surgeries (P = 0.1).ConclusionThere is no evidence that adding a lateral release impacts positively on the outcome of MPFL reconstruction.Level of evidenceIV, Systematic review.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33315122 · DOI · PMC7886734
Chondral injuries in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation: a systematic review [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundPatellar dislocations in patients presenting with recurrent patellofemoral instability can damage the surrounding structures, limiting patient's participation to recreational activities and quality of life.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionChondral defects of the medial facet and the crest of the patella are the most common in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (155 words)
BackgroundPatellar dislocations in patients presenting with recurrent patellofemoral instability can damage the surrounding structures, limiting patient's participation to recreational activities and quality of life. This study evaluated frequency, location, and extent of associated injuries in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. PubMed, Google scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in July 2021. All the published clinical studies reporting frequency, location, and extent of soft tissue lesions in patients with recurrent patellar dislocations were accessed.ResultsData from 9 articles (232 patients) were retrieved. The mean age of the included patients was 21.2 ± 5.6 years. 84.8% of patients suffering from recurrent patellar dislocations demonstrated patellar chondral defects: medial facet (34.9%), while patellar crest (34.8%) and lateral facet (17%). 27.8% of patients demonstrated trochlear chondral injuries.ConclusionChondral defects of the medial facet and the crest of the patella are the most common in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 35101078 · DOI · PMC8802427
Surgeon Training and Revision Rates After Patellofemoral Arthroplasty [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ImportanceSurgeon training with a specific implant is often not considered in implant registry-based studies, which may lead to unobserved confounding bias.
- Closing excerpt
- This suggests that the level of training may be an important confounder for registry-based comparisons of implant outcome, and that this confounder may even obscure inherent implant outcomes.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (391 words)
ImportanceSurgeon training with a specific implant is often not considered in implant registry-based studies, which may lead to unobserved confounding bias. Discrepancies between registry and clinical trial outcomes for patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) may originate from differences in surgeon training levels.ObjectiveTo compare revision rates for knees operated on by knee surgeons specifically trained for PFA and knee surgeons who were not.Design, setting, and participantsIn this population-based cohort study, the framework of a target trial was used to compare outcomes for 2 patient groups: patients who underwent PFA performed by knee surgeons who had (trial surgeons) vs who had not (nontrial surgeons) received focused PFA training as part of a randomized clinical trial. All primary PFA procedures from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2015, were identified using Danish registries and individual hospital notes with 6 years' follow-up. Data were analyzed from January 24 to March 1, 2024.ExposureFocused PFA training.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was 6-year risk of revision. Analyses were conducted according to a prespecified statistical analysis plan, using multiple logistic regression to estimate marginal risk ratios for 6-year risks of revision, reoperation, and mortality, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOf 482 eligible knees of patients who had undergone PFA, 274 (57%; 206 female [75%]; mean [SD] age, 61 [13] years) were operated on by trial surgeons, and 208 (43%; 142 female [68%]; mean [SD] age, 57 [12] years) by nontrial surgeons. Trial surgeons operated on knees with higher patellofemoral Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade (range 0-4, with 0 indicating no osteoarthritis and 4 indicating severe osteoarthritis) than nontrial surgeons (79% vs 53% with grade 3 to 4) and higher tibiofemoral Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grades (37% vs 17% with grade 2 to 4). The 6-year revision rate for trial surgeons was 8% (22 of 274 knees) vs 26% (54 of 208 knees) for nontrial surgeons, corresponding to an adjusted relative risk (RR) of 0.35 (95% CI, 0.22-0.56; P Conclusions and relevanceIn this cohort study using a target trial emulation approach to assess the association of surgeon training with PFA outcomes, the cumulative 6-year revision rate for PFA was lower for knees operated on by PFA-trained knee surgeons, suggesting that such surgeon training was associated with a better outcome. This suggests that the level of training may be an important confounder for registry-based comparisons of implant outcome, and that this confounder may even obscure inherent implant outcomes.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40577013 · DOI · PMC12205405
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article The compartmental distribution of knee osteoarthritis - a systematic review and meta-analysis [5]
- Research article Recognition of evolving medial patellofemoral anatomy provides insight for reconstruction [6]
- Research article Graft Choice in Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Rates of Recurrent Instability and Patient-Reported Outcomes for Autograft, Allograft, and Synthetic Options [7]
- Research article Origin and insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a systematic review of anatomy [8]
- Research article The prevalence of radiographic and MRI-defined patellofemoral osteoarthritis and structural pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
- Research article Imaging of Individual Anatomical Risk Factors for Patellar Instability [10]
References
- Migliorini F, Oliva F, Maffulli GD, Eschweiler J, Knobe M, Tingart M, et al.. Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability: analysis of outcomes and risk factors. . 2021. PMID 33823887 · DOI · PMC8022360
- Migliorini F, Maffulli N, Eschweiler J, Quack V, Tingart M, Driessen A. Lateral retinacular release combined with MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: a systematic review. . 2021. PMID 33315122 · DOI · PMC7886734
- Migliorini F, Marsilio E, Oliva F, Eschweiler J, Hildebrand F, Maffulli N. Chondral injuries in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation: a systematic review. . 2022. PMID 35101078 · DOI · PMC8802427
- Rasmussen LE, Hoffmann AG, Blanche P, Espersen F, Justesen TF, Rasmussen LE, et al.. Surgeon Training and Revision Rates After Patellofemoral Arthroplasty. . 2025. PMID 40577013 · DOI · PMC12205405
- Stoddart JC, Dandridge O, Garner A, Cobb J, van Arkel RJ. The compartmental distribution of knee osteoarthritis - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2021. PMID 33253887 · DOI
- Tanaka MJ, Chahla J, Farr J, LaPrade RF, Arendt EA, Sanchis-Alfonso V, et al.. Recognition of evolving medial patellofemoral anatomy provides insight for reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019. PMID 30370440 · DOI
- McNeilan RJ, Everhart JS, Mescher PK, Abouljoud M, Magnussen RA, Flanigan DC. Graft Choice in Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Rates of Recurrent Instability and Patient-Reported Outcomes for Autograft, Allograft, and Synthetic Options. Arthroscopy. 2018. PMID 29366741 · DOI
- Aframian A, Smith TO, Tennent TD, Cobb JP, Hing CB. Origin and insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament: a systematic review of anatomy. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017. PMID 27631645 · DOI · PMC5698363
- Hart HF, Stefanik JJ, Wyndow N, Machotka Z, Crossley KM. The prevalence of radiographic and MRI-defined patellofemoral osteoarthritis and structural pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2017. PMID 28456764 · DOI
- Dietrich TJ, Fucentese SF, Pfirrmann CW. Imaging of Individual Anatomical Risk Factors for Patellar Instability. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2016. PMID 27077588 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.