The patellofemoral joint and its implications in the rehabilitation of the knee.
The normal mechanics of patellar motion lead to an eventual age-dependent degeneration of the patellofemoral joint in the majority of persons. This review explores the relationships between normal patellar mechanics, patellofemoral joint disease, and findings of quadriceps femoris muscle-function studies. Implications of these relationships are then discussed with regard to the rehabilitation of all patients.