Patellar tracking is the gliding of the patella within the underlying groove of the femur bone.

trochlear groove

The patella usually fits snugly in the underlying trochlear groove of the femur.

patella in trochlear groove

As the knee bends and straightens, the patella should remain aligned properly in the groove.

 

Causes of tracking problems

Because the patella in integrated in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle, its tracking can be affected by many factors from hip problems down to foot problems.

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...