16 Patella Orientation and general presentation (Figs 16.1 & 16.2) The patella (1) is a sesamoid bone included in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle. It articulates posteriorly with the patellar surface of the femur (2). It is shaped like an upside-down pyramid, with the base (3) oriented upwards. The lateral (4) and medial (5) edges converge, towards the patella apex (PAX), which is oriented downwards. These edges are convex, and both show a rounded apex on their central part: PLE and PME for lateral and medial edges respectively. The bone center (PCE) is between PLE and PME on the anterior side. The posterior aspect of the patella shows a large articular surface, part of the femoropatellar joint, separated into two components by an edge (dotted line). The largest joint component (6) is lateral. Figure 16.1 Patella (3D model). A Patella and femur: anterior view, slightly medial. Isolated bone: B anterior view; C posterior view. Figure 16.2 Patella (anatomic specimen). A Anterior face; B medial edge; C posterior face; D lateral edge. Patella – ApeX (PAX)[R,L] Landmark PAX The apex of the patella is oriented downwards (see Figs 16.1 & 16.2). Subject lying: The subject is lying supine, hip and knee slightly flexed (about 10°), with the palpator at the subject’s knee. Subject standing: The palpator kneels, facing the slightly flexed hip and knee (about 10°) of the subject, who is asked to put his or her bodyweight on the limb that is not being palpated. Follow distally the lateral and medial edges of the patella with your thumb and forefinger respectively. The fingers meet at the apex of the patella. With one of the palpating fingers (the thumb on the image), select a point slightly above the patella apex on the anterior face of the patella. This is PAX. NOTE The real apex of the patella is included in the patellar tendon, and is therefore difficult to palpate with accuracy. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Introduction Sternum (thorax) Ribs (thorax) Ilium Ulna Femur Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Color Atlas of Skeletal Landmark Definitions Guidelines for Repr Sep 9, 2016 | Posted by admin in MANUAL THERAPIST | Comments Off on Patella Full access? Get Clinical Tree
16 Patella Orientation and general presentation (Figs 16.1 & 16.2) The patella (1) is a sesamoid bone included in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle. It articulates posteriorly with the patellar surface of the femur (2). It is shaped like an upside-down pyramid, with the base (3) oriented upwards. The lateral (4) and medial (5) edges converge, towards the patella apex (PAX), which is oriented downwards. These edges are convex, and both show a rounded apex on their central part: PLE and PME for lateral and medial edges respectively. The bone center (PCE) is between PLE and PME on the anterior side. The posterior aspect of the patella shows a large articular surface, part of the femoropatellar joint, separated into two components by an edge (dotted line). The largest joint component (6) is lateral. Figure 16.1 Patella (3D model). A Patella and femur: anterior view, slightly medial. Isolated bone: B anterior view; C posterior view. Figure 16.2 Patella (anatomic specimen). A Anterior face; B medial edge; C posterior face; D lateral edge. Patella – ApeX (PAX)[R,L] Landmark PAX The apex of the patella is oriented downwards (see Figs 16.1 & 16.2). Subject lying: The subject is lying supine, hip and knee slightly flexed (about 10°), with the palpator at the subject’s knee. Subject standing: The palpator kneels, facing the slightly flexed hip and knee (about 10°) of the subject, who is asked to put his or her bodyweight on the limb that is not being palpated. Follow distally the lateral and medial edges of the patella with your thumb and forefinger respectively. The fingers meet at the apex of the patella. With one of the palpating fingers (the thumb on the image), select a point slightly above the patella apex on the anterior face of the patella. This is PAX. NOTE The real apex of the patella is included in the patellar tendon, and is therefore difficult to palpate with accuracy. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related Related posts: Introduction Sternum (thorax) Ribs (thorax) Ilium Ulna Femur Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: Color Atlas of Skeletal Landmark Definitions Guidelines for Repr Sep 9, 2016 | Posted by admin in MANUAL THERAPIST | Comments Off on Patella Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Subject lying: The subject is lying supine, hip and knee slightly flexed (about 10°), with the palpator at the subject’s knee.
With one of the palpating fingers (the thumb on the image), select a point slightly above the patella apex on the anterior face of the patella. This is PAX.
