Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Hypomobile patella

    Lack of normal medial and/or lateral motion of the patella. A medially hypomobile patella cannot be moved more than 25% of its width medially. A laterally hypomobile patella cannot be moved more than 15% of its width laterally.  

  • Hypermobile patella

    Excessive medial and/or lateral motion of the patella. A medially hypermobile patella can be moved greater than 75% of its width medially. A laterally hypermobile patella can be moved greater than 75%’ of its width laterally.  

  • Fracture of patella

    A break in the continuity of the kneecap. Treatment may consist of suturing the bone fragments. A long-leg immobilizer is applied for 6 to 8 weeks. Following removal of the brace, gradual exercise may be started and weight placed on the leg for a few weeks, after which the patient may walk.  

  • Floating patella

    A patella that rides up from the condyles owing to a large effusion in the knee.  

  • Dislocated patella

    Displacement of the patella from its normal position in the femoral trochlea. Most patellar dislocations are marked by obvious deformity and occur laterally. They result in the tearing or stretching of the medial patellar retinaculum and the oblique fibers of the vastus medialis muscle. The patella may spontaneously reduce as the patient attempts to straighten…

  • Bipartite patella

    The developing patella that matures from two centers rather than one. This usually congenital condition causes no symptoms but may be mistaken for a fracture.  

  • Patella baja

    A low-riding patella (low positioning of patella). When a person is standing, the patella rests in a more inferior position than normal.  

  • Patella alta

    A high-riding patella (high positioning of patella). When a person is standing, the patella rests in a more superior position than normal.  

  • White patch

    A white, thickened area of oral mucosa that will not rub off and represents a benign hyperkeratosis.  

  • Salmon patch

    An oval pale retinal hemorrhage seen in sickle cell disease.