January 2025

Patellofemoral malalignment has been often misunderstood and poorly diagnosed in the medical community. The term patellofemoral refers to the joint where the patella (kneecap) sits on the femur (thighbone). Physical therapist will often get referrals from physicians of “anterior knee pain”, “patellofemoral syndrome” or “patellofemoral pain”, but this is not a diagnosis but a symptom. It is important to understand the underlying problem that is causing the patient’s knee pain in order to know the best way to treat.