The patellofemoral joint

♦ The symptomatic patellofemoral joint is difficult to manage.♦ It is difficult to be certain that the pain felt by the patient is actually arising from the joint.♦ The majority of symptomatic patients should be managed conservatively with exercises aimed at improving muscle control.♦ Surgical treatment gives best results in patellofemoral instability when there are defined anatomical abnormalities that are then corrected.♦ Surgical treatment of patellofemoral arthritis has uncertain outcomes.