Patellar Tracking Disorder Symptoms

May 30, 2024

Unravel patellar tracking disorder symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention for better knee health.

Understanding Patellar Tracking Disorder

To begin understanding patellar tracking disorder symptoms, it is essential first to define the condition and comprehend its causes and risk factors.

Defining Patellar Tracking Disorder

Patellar tracking disorder is a physical condition that causes the kneecap (patella) to move out of its natural alignment on the knee joint. This misalignment can lead to significant discomfort and varying levels of pain, especially when performing activities that put stress on the knee joint. In severe cases, this disorder can lead to the dislocation of the patella, causing substantial pain, leg deformity, and difficulty in walking or bending the knee [1].

Cause and Risk Factors

Patellar tracking disorder can be triggered by several factors. One of the leading causes is high stress on the knee, especially from twisting motions common in sports. Muscle weakness, poor tone, and structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of this condition.

Another major risk factor for patellar tracking disorder is the strength and tone of the quadriceps, the muscle group at the front of the thigh. Weak quadriceps increase the risk of this disorder as they play a crucial role in stabilizing the kneecap. Similarly, the ligaments and tendons around the kneecap also contribute to its stability. If these structures are too tight or too loose, they can lead to the misalignment of the patella, thereby increasing the risk of developing patellar tracking disorder.

It's also worth noting that patellar tracking disorder is more common in women, athletes of both sexes, and older people due to arthritis in the knee joint.

Risk Factors	Who it Affects
High stress on the knee	Athletes
Weak quadriceps	General
Poor muscle tone	General
Structural abnormalities	General
Tendons/litigants too tight or loose	General
Arthritis in the knee joint	Older people

Understanding these risk factors is crucial in preventing and managing patellar tracking disorder. By maintaining physical fitness, especially strength and flexibility in the lower body, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms of Patellar Tracking Disorder

Understanding the symptoms of patellar tracking disorder is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. The spectrum of patellar tracking disorder symptoms ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain and dislocation.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

Mild to moderate symptoms of patellar tracking disorder often manifest as a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee. This discomfort can become more pronounced after sitting for extended periods, climbing stairs, or engaging in activities that place repeated stress on the knee joint.

Additionally, individuals may experience varying levels of knee pain and swelling, a feeling of the knee giving out, and a sensation of catching or locking. In some cases, the knee may buckle to the side.

Severe Cases and Dislocation

In severe cases of patellar tracking disorder, the patella (kneecap) may dislocate, leading to significant pain, leg deformity, and difficulty walking or bending the knee [2]. Complete dislocation of the kneecap is a serious situation that results in severe pain, swelling, and an appearance of a bone being out of place. The ability to bend or straighten the knee is also compromised, necessitating immediate medical attention to reposition the kneecap.

In the event of severe cases like dislocation, individuals may experience intense pain, a visibly bent leg, an inability to bend or straighten the knee, and difficulty walking. This condition is more common in women, athletes of both sexes, and older individuals due to arthritis in the knee joint.

Being aware of these symptoms can help in early detection and management of patellar tracking disorder. If any of these symptoms are experienced, especially in severe cases, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications.

Diagnosing Patellar Tracking Disorder

Given the broad range of knee conditions with similar patellar tracking disorder symptoms, diagnosing this particular disorder can be a challenging process. Health care providers would typically conduct a physical examination and review the patient's health history. At times, further imaging tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Physical Examination and Health History

The first step in diagnosing patellar tracking disorder involves a thorough physical examination and review of the patient's health history. The health care provider would look for signs of pain, tenderness, and swelling in the knee area. They would also evaluate the patient's range of motion and the stability of the patella.

The patient's health history is equally important, as it can provide valuable insights into the possible causes of the condition. The health care provider would take into account any past injuries or traumas, the patient's occupation, their level of physical activity, and any other health conditions that might contribute to the disorder.

Imaging Tests and Confirming Diagnosis

If the physical examination and health history review do not provide a clear diagnosis, the health care provider may recommend imaging tests for additional information. These tests can include X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.

X-rays can help assess the position and condition of the knee bones. They can reveal if the patella is not properly aligned or if there are any abnormalities in the knee structure that might be contributing to the disorder.

MRI scans, on the other hand, provide a more detailed view of the knee. They can detect any damage to the soft tissues around the knee, such as the tendons and ligaments. These scans can be particularly useful in cases where the patellar tracking disorder symptoms are severe or if the patella is dislocated.

The results from these imaging tests, coupled with the findings from the physical examination and health history review, can help the health care provider confirm a diagnosis of patellar tracking disorder. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a suitable treatment plan can be formulated to effectively manage the condition and alleviate the symptoms.

Treating Patellar Tracking Disorder

Once a diagnosis of patellar tracking disorder is confirmed, the next step is determining the most effective treatment. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disorder's symptoms, and ranges from non-surgical treatments to surgical intervention in more severe cases.

Non-surgical Treatments

For most cases of patellar tracking disorder, non-surgical treatments are often sufficient and they can effectively manage the condition. This usually involves a combination of home remedies and professional therapies.

Home remedies often include the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Resting the affected knee, applying ice to reduce inflammation, compressing the knee with a bandage to limit swelling, and elevating the knee to further reduce swelling are all crucial elements of the healing process. Other at-home treatments can include knee taping or the use of kinesiology tape for support and stabilization.

Professional therapies, on the other hand, usually involve physical therapy. This includes exercises focused on strengthening the quadriceps, stretching, and flexibility training. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles around the knee, providing support and improving the tracking of the kneecap.

Surgical Intervention

In severe cases of patellar tracking disorder where non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgical intervention may be necessary. However, surgery is not usually the first option for treatment, and is considered a last resort due to conflicting evidence on its efficacy for treating the disorder.

Surgery for patellar tracking disorder may involve procedures such as cutting the lateral retinaculum ligament, or repairing the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). These procedures aim to address the root cause of the disorder and improve the tracking of the kneecap.

It's important to note that the choice between non-surgical treatments and surgical intervention should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, taking into account the severity of the patellar tracking disorder symptoms, the patient's overall health, and their personal preferences and lifestyle.

Preventing Patellar Tracking Disorder

While understanding patellar tracking disorder symptoms is crucial, prevention is always better than cure. There are several ways to prevent patellar tracking disorder, primarily focusing on maintaining physical fitness and making necessary lifestyle modifications.

Importance of Physical Fitness

Maintaining strong thigh and hip muscles is a significant preventive measure for patellar tracking disorder. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the knee joint and ensuring proper alignment of the patella or kneecap.

Staying active is also essential. However, a gradual return to activities post-injury is recommended to avoid undue stress on the knees. It's advisable to seek guidance from trainers or physical therapists to ensure a safe and effective exercise regimen [2].

Furthermore, it is essential to maintain muscle balance and avoid sudden increases in physical activity. Sudden changes can put undue pressure on the knee, potentially leading to issues like patellar tracking disorder. Regular stretching before exercise can also help prevent this condition by improving flexibility and reducing muscle tension [5].

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to maintaining physical fitness, certain lifestyle modifications can also help prevent patellar tracking disorder. For instance, it's crucial to avoid repetitive activities that can stress the knees. These can include certain sports or physical tasks that involve excessive knee bending or twisting.

Proper footwear is also a significant factor. Shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning can help maintain proper leg alignment and reduce stress on the knees. Therefore, it's important to consider factors like appropriate footwear when participating in physical activities.

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to treat patellar tracking disorder. However, surgery should be considered only after consulting with doctors and specialists, and after seeking a second opinion.

By incorporating these preventive measures into their daily routines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing patellar tracking disorder symptoms. This not only helps maintain knee health but also promotes overall physical well-being.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After an individual has been diagnosed with patellar tracking disorder, their journey towards recovery and rehabilitation begins. This process is critical in alleviating symptoms and preventing further knee issues. Here, we will explore the role of physiotherapy in this process and discuss the long-term management of this condition.

The Role of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation from patellar tracking disorder. It primarily involves exercises aimed at strengthening the quadriceps muscles and improving knee stability. The correct diagnosis is crucial in creating an effective exercise program, which often includes a simple routine that can be done at home for about 20 minutes a day [3].

The initial exercises for patellar tracking disorder may include quad sets and mini squats. As the knee improves, more intensive exercises like straight-leg raises in various directions may be recommended.

In addition to exercises, some doctors may recommend using braces or taping techniques to aid in the recovery process. Close adherence to the instructions provided by the doctor or physiotherapist is essential for effective recovery.

Stage	Recommended Exercises
Initial	Quad sets, mini squats
Intermediate	Straight-leg raises in various directions

Long-Term Management

Long-term management of patellar tracking disorder involves continued commitment to the prescribed exercise program. The goals of non-surgical treatment for patellar tracking problems include reducing symptoms, increasing quadriceps strength and endurance, and returning to normal function.

Recovery from patellar tracking disorder can take several months, and it is important to continue the exercise program even after symptoms have subsided. Neglecting to maintain strength and flexibility can lead to the return of problems.

Long-term management also means being mindful of one's movements and avoiding activities that may exacerbate the condition. By adhering to the prescribed routine and taking care of one's health, it is possible to manage patellar tracking disorder effectively in the long term.