Patellar Tracking Disorder
What Increases Your Risk
Some risk factors for patellar tracking disorder are beyond your control. Others, such as having weak quadriceps, you can change.
Risk factors that you cannot change
- Family history of knee problems.
- Knee abnormalities, such as knock-knees or an excessively long patellar tendon that allows the patella to slide too high on the knee joint (patella alta).
- A growth spurt, as is typical in teenagers.
- A poorly healed injury of the hip, leg, knee, or foot.
- Previous kneecap dislocation.
- Previous knee surgery.
- Generalized ligamentous laxity, or "loose-jointedness."
Risk factors that you can avoid or change
- Weak thigh muscles (quadriceps).
- The outer part of your thigh muscle is stronger or contracts quicker than the inner thigh muscle.
- Tight ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Excessive body weight.
- Running, particularly on hills.
- Playing sports that require repeated jumping, knee bending, or squatting.
- Improper footwear.
- Improper athletic training or technique.
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: February 14, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma | |
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