Patellar

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Patellar is the adjective to describe things related to the patella.

A Sesamoid Bone

The patella is a sesamoid bone, which means that it is contained within a tendon, although the bit of tendon above is called the quadriceps tendon and the bit below is called the patellar tendon.

So this little bone is subject to all the forces affecting the quadriceps muscle and its tendon.

Illustration of a side view of the attachment of the patellar tendon, showing the situation of the patellar bone within the tendon.

A-Z Keywords

Patella, Patellar tracking, Extensor mechanism, Patellar tendon, Patellar instability, Q-angle, Squinting patellae, Suprapatellar pouch, Patellar fracture, Patellar tendon rupture, Quads tendon rupture, Patella baja, Patella alta

Primers -

Expert contributions -

Dr Lee Herrington - 2013 - Why does my kneecap (patella) hurt?

eBooks -

Dr Lars Blønd - Factors contributing to an unstable patella

Video -