Editorial Commentary: A Complex Network of Bony and Soft-Tissue Stabilizers-and Overall Limb Alignment-Determines Patellofemoral Stability.

Abstract

Patellofemoral stability is maintained through a complex network of static and dynamic soft-tissue stabilizers, the osseous structure of the patella and trochlea, and overall limb alignment. Thus, determining the risk of recurrent patellar instability must account for as many of these factors as possible in the clinical decision-making process. The tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance is the most common parameter used for this evaluation but may be limited because of methodologic issues and because this distance is an absolute value. Indices that incorporate other predisposing factors, including trochlear dysplasia, increase the accuracy of predicting recurrent patellar instability and can be used to generate a patient-specific treatment plan.