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Introduction
The term arthritis refers to full thickness loss of
articular cartilage and concomitant inflam
mation, excluding biological causes of wear
and damage of cartilage (inflammatory diseases
and infection).
Patellofemoral arthritis is so characterized by
pain and other clinical symptoms, almost due
to cartilage damages and dysfunctions of the
extensor mechanism.
Lately, patellofemoral arthritis is also charac
terized by radiographic findings, including
joint space narrowing, cysts and osteophyte
formations.
As it is clear that the patello femoral compart
ment can be involved in diffuse form of knee
arthritis, isolated patellofemoral arthritis may
not be so rare [9, 12].
Some mechanical causes are likely to include
all conditions leading to isolated patellofemoral
arthritis.
Pathophysiology
and etiology of
patellofemoral
osteoarthritis
The patellofemoral joint includes the entire
extensor mechanism of the knee (quadriceps
tendon, patella and patellar tendon). The patella
is a sesamoïd bone that acts as a marker for the
alignment of the hole extensor mechanism. The
trochlear groove and an arch of articular
cartilage around the intercondylar notch make
up the femoral side of the joint [5].
The primary soft tissue static stabilizers are the
medial and lateral patellofemoral and patello
tibial complexes. Patellofemoral stability is also
dependent on limb alignment (varus and valgus)
as well as rotational variances in femoral
version. Furthermore, the relation of the knee to
pelvic position and strength has been added as
an important stabilizer of the knee and the
patellar elements. This complex orchestration
of factors often challenges to understanding
patellofemoral joint function [12].
Does patellofemoral
osteoarthritis may be
idiopathic?
A. Pinaroli