Where does patella subluxation typically occur?

Patella subluxation typically occurs laterally due to the alignment and forces acting on the patella within the knee joint. The anatomical structure of the femur, the angle of the femur to the tibia (often referred to as the Q-angle), and muscle imbalances can all contribute to a lateral tracking of the patella. This can be exacerbated by conditions such as muscle weakness or tightness, specifically in the quadriceps and iliotibial band.

The patella is more prone to moving laterally because of its natural biomechanics and the positioning of the associated muscles and tendons. In a healthy knee, the patella should track smoothly in the femoral groove during movement. However, factors such as anatomical differences, injury, or overuse can disrupt this process, resulting in a subluxation. Therefore, understanding the typical lateral displacement is crucial for proper assessment and treatment in orthotic fitting and rehabilitation.