Comparison of three standard radiologic techniques for screening of patellar subluxations

The presence of many abnormal types of patellofemoral (PF) joints in asymptomatic cases and the frequent unilateral complaints in morphologically symmetric joints indicate that emphasis must Lie placed on factors that cause abnormal PF joints to decompensate, rendering them symptomatic. These factors include hyperlaxity, puberty, overuse, or athletic activities. It is our conviction that full understanding of PF problems needs dynamic, three-dimensional motion analysis of patellofemoral relationships. At the present time these imaging techniques do not exist, as they require more powerful computer capacities.