Research Methods and Progress of Patellofemoral Joint Kinematics: A Review

Patellofemoral pain syndrome has a high morbidity, and its pathology is closely associated with patellofemoral joint kinematics. A series of in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted to explore patellofemoral kinematics, and the findings are relevant to the diagnosis, classification, and management of patellofemoral diseases and even the whole knee joint. However, no definite conclusion on normal patellofemoral kinematics has been established. In this study, the measurement methodologies of patellofemoral kinematics (including data collection methods, loading conditions, and coordinate system) as well as their advantages and limitations were reviewed. Motion characteristics of the patella were analyzed. During knee flexion, the patellar flexion angle lagged by 30–40% compared to the tibiofemoral joint flexion. The patella tilts, rotates, and shifts medially in the initial stage of knee flexion and subsequently tilts, rotates, and shifts laterally. The finite patellar helical axis fluctuates near the femoral transepicondylar axis or posterior condylar axis. Moreover, factors affecting kinematics, such as morphology of the trochlear groove, soft tissue balance, and tibiofemoral motion, were analyzed. At the initial period of flexion, soft tissues play a vital role in adjusting patellar tracking, and during further flexion, the status of the patella is determined by the morphology of the trochlear groove and patellar facet. Our findings could increase our understanding of patellofemoral kinematics and can help to guide the operation plan for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.