Patella alta describes a kneecap that sits higher than normal compared to its usual position.
What is behind the term?
The term comes from Latin: "patella" means kneecap, and "alta" means "high". It describes a kneecap that does not sit in its usual groove on the thigh bone, but is shifted a little further upwards. This is usually picked up on an X-ray or through a special measurement.
How is a high-riding kneecap identified?
Patella alta does not always cause symptoms. It is often only noticed during imaging, for example after an injury or when someone has ongoing knee problems. The kneecap is then positioned noticeably higher in relation to the thigh bone than usual. Doctors use different measurement methods to work out whether it is truly patella alta or whether the kneecap is still within the normal range.
What does this mean for the knee joint?
A kneecap that sits too high can affect how the knee joint works normally. The kneecap usually moves along a groove, called the trochlear groove, on the thigh bone. If it sits too high, it can be guided less stably. This raises the risk of it slipping or even jumping out of the groove during certain movements. In some cases, this can lead to an unstable feeling in the knee or cause pain, especially when bending, straightening, or doing activities like climbing stairs.
Causes and background
Patella alta can be present from birth. Sometimes it develops later in life, for example after injuries, surgery, or due to certain growth disorders. In some people, the kneecap is naturally positioned higher without causing any problems. It is only when additional factors come into play, such as weak muscles or an unusual shape of the thigh bone, that the likelihood of symptoms increases.
Is patella alta dangerous?
Many people wonder whether patella alta can have serious consequences. In general, a high-riding kneecap does not always lead to problems. Many people notice nothing at all and live without any symptoms. Problems tend to arise when the knee becomes unstable, slips out more frequently, or causes pain. In such cases, the risk of cartilage damage or a so-called patellar dislocation (the kneecap jumping out of place) may also be increased.
What to do if symptoms occur?
Whether and how patella alta needs to be treated depends greatly on the individual symptoms and the degree of the misalignment. If the knee remains stable and pain-free, treatment is usually not necessary. However, if there are repeated episodes of instability, pain, or even the kneecap jumping out, there are several options available. Targeted strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles often help, as strong muscles can stabilise the knee better. In rare cases, when problems are severe, surgery may be considered to correct the position of the kneecap.
When should you seek medical advice?
Anyone who repeatedly experiences an unstable feeling in the knee, has pain, or has already had the kneecap slip out should get this checked by a doctor. This is the only way to find out whether patella alta is the cause and whether targeted treatment would be helpful. Often, a conversation with an orthopaedic specialist and a simple imaging scan are enough to get a clearer picture.
Patella alta is therefore primarily a description of the position of the kneecap and does not automatically mean there is a medical condition. Whether it needs to be treated depends on the symptoms and the individual circumstances.
