Patella instability: building bridges across the ocean a historic review.

The diagnosis of and treatment for musculoskeletal disease and injuries have seen an explosion of new knowledge. More precise imaging, correlative injury anatomy, more focused physical examination features, among others, have led this upsurge of current insight. Crucial to this knowledge revolution is the expansion of international knowledge, which is aided by an adoption of a universal scientific language, electronic transfer of information, and personal communication of surgeons and scientists across national boundaries. One area where this is particularly evident is in our knowledge and treatment for patellofemoral disorders. This article will review the developments in the management of patellar dislocations by tracing their historical roots. This is not meant to be a comprehensive review, but rather to give current readers a "historical memory" upon which to judge and interpret our present-day bridge of knowledge. Level of evidence V.

Historical perspectives of chondromalacia patellae.

Widespread misuse of the term chondromalacia has led to confusion regarding its true meaning. This term should not be used to diagnose patellofemoral pain, but to describe lesions of articular cartilage. Recent advances using stereophotogrammetry to evaluate the patellofemoral joint and its articular cartilage may lead to new insight into the etiology of these lesions.