Patella tracking dysfunction

Patellar tracking dysfunction (PTD) is a condition where the kneecap (patella) does not remain in its groove in the underlying thigh bone (femur) when the knee is bent and/or straightened.  Instead the kneecap shifts towards the outside of the leg. PTD predisposes the kneecap to dislocate.

This may be associated with pain at the front of the knee and a sensation of grinding, popping, slipping, or catching in your kneecap. PTD occurs particularly when climbing up and down stairs, kneeling, squatting and jumping.

While there are a number of possible underlying factors that can contribute to PTD, misalignment of the thigh bone and tight (shortened) muscles, tendons and ligaments at the front outer aspect of the thigh and kneecap are the most common.