The Patella

Question 1

Where does the patella sit?

Answer 1

The patellofemoral groove of the femur

Question 2

What attachment to the patella superiorly and inferiorly?

Answer 2

Superiorly-quadriceps tendon

Inferiorly- patellar ligament

Question 3

Why is the patella classified as a sesamoid bone?

Answer 3

Because it in within the quadricep tendon

Question 4

What is the apex of the patella connected to?

Answer 4

Tibial tuberosity by the patella ligament (the apex- like in the heart- is the inferior part)

Question 5

What does the base of the patella provide attachment for?

Answer 5

The quadricep tendon

Question 6

How does the patella articulate with the femur?

Answer 6

By the two facets
Medial- articulating with the medial condyle of the femur
Lateral- articulating with the lateral condyle the femur

Question 7

What are the two functions of the patella?

Answer 7

• leg extension- enhances the leverage that the quadricep tendon can exert on the femur, increasing the efficiency of the muscle.
• protection- protects the anterior aspect of the knee joint from physical trauma

Question 8

In what direction do most patella dislocations occur? Why do they occur?

Answer 8

Laterally

Cause by high force impact on the patella or forceful sudden twisting of the knee.

Question 9

How do patella fractures commonly occur and in what group of people are they most common?

Answer 9

Direct trauma to the bone or sudden contraction of the quadricep muscle.

More common in males/ 20-50 range

Question 10

Why does the patella commonly dislocate laterally?

Answer 10

The medial collateral ligament is weaker than the lateral collateral ligament