The patella (from the Latin rotula, small wheel), also called the patella, is a bone found in the knee.

Location. Located in the anterior part of the knee, the kneecap is a bone that is part of the knee joint.

Structure. Flat bone, it has a triangular shape with the base facing upwards (1). It has two faces, the anterior cutaneous surface, as well as the posterior surface covered with cartilages and forming a joint with the femur (2).

Insertion. The base of the patella fits into the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Its lower part, or apex, is maintained by the patellar tendon. Its lateral edges serve as places of insertions for the muscles of the thigh, as well as for the patellar retinaculum, fibrous structures making it possible to keep the tendons against the bones.

The kneecap is also surrounded by bursae, allowing better sliding of the joints (3).

The patella has an important role in the knee joint (4).

• Protection. The patella protects the front of the knee joint.
• Stability. The insertion of the patella allows it to act on the stability of the knee during the various movements performed by the latter.
• Flexion / extension movement. The patella, and more particularly the patellofemoral joint, plays an essential role in the flexion and extension movements of the knee (2).

The onset of knee pain may be related to damage to the kneecap.

Patella fracture. Commonly occurring in adults, patella fractures are most often due to a direct impact on the knee. (1)

Chondromalacie patellaire. This pathology corresponds to degeneration of the articular cartilage between the kneecap and the femur1. Made vulnerable, this cartilage can cause knee swelling, crunches, as well as severe pain (2).

Patella dislocation. Usually linked to a violent shock, it corresponds to a loss of adhesion at the level of the joint between the kneecap and the femur. It can be associated with a displacement of the patella relative to its usual axis (1).

Tendinopathie. Tendons in the kneecap can be affected by tendinopathy. The symptoms of these tendon pathologies are mainly pain in the tendon during exertion. The causes of these pathologies are varied.

• Tendinitis: This refers to inflammation of the tendon most often caused by a partial tear (1).
• Bursitis. It corresponds to an inflammation of the bursae (1).

Maladies of the os. Many diseases can affect the bones and change their structure. This is particularly the case with arthritis which can manifest as pain in the joints, ligaments, bones and tendons.

Medical treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, different drugs may be prescribed to regulate or strengthen bone tissue or reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the type of fracture, a surgical operation can be carried out with, for example, the installation of a screw plate, nails or even an external fixator.

Arthroscopy. This surgical technique allows the joints to be observed and operated on. It is commonly used for the knee joints.

Physical treatment. Physical therapies, through specific exercise programs, are most often prescribed such as physiotherapy or physiotherapy.

Physical examination. First, a physical examination is performed to identify the painful movements and the cause of the pain.

Medical imaging examination. Radiography, ultrasound or MRI can be used to assess pain in the knee.

Medical analysis. In order to identify certain pathologies, blood or urine analyzes can be carried out such as, for example, the dosage of phosphorus or calcium.

Still used today, ancient expressions are used to define recurrent pathologies in the patella (1):

• “Old housewife’s knee”: corresponds to a bursitis located at the front of the kneecap.
• “Floor installer knee”: corresponds to a bursitis located at the back of the kneecap.