Using real‐time MRI to quantify altered joint kinematics in subjects with patellofemoral pain and to evaluate the effects of a patellar brace or sleeve on joint motion

Abnormal patellofemoral joint motion is a possible cause of patellofemoral pain, and patellar braces are thought to alleviate pain by restoring normal joint kinematics. We evaluated whether females with patellofemoral pain exhibit abnormal patellofemoral joint kinematics during dynamic, weight‐bearing knee extension and assessed the effects of knee braces on patellofemoral motion. Real‐time magnetic resonance (MR) images of the patellofemoral joints of 36 female volunteers (13 pain‐free controls, 23 patellofemoral pain) were acquired during weight‐bearing knee extension. Pain subjects were also imaged while wearing a patellar‐stabilizing brace and a patellar sleeve. We measured axial‐plane kinematics from the images. Females with patellofemoral pain exhibited increased lateral translation of the patella for knee flexion angles between 0°and 50° (p = 0.03), and increased lateral tilt for knee flexion angles between 0° and 20° (p = 0.04). The brace and sleeve reduced the lateral translation of the patella; however, the brace reduced lateral displacement more than the sleeve (p = 0.006). The brace reduced patellar tilt near full extension (p = 0.001), while the sleeve had no effect on patellar tilt. Our results indicate that some subjects with patellofemoral pain exhibit abnormal weight‐bearing joint kinematics and that braces may be effective in reducing patellar maltracking in these subjects. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 571–577, 2009     

Motion of the femoral condyles in flexion and extension during a continuous lunge

Numerous studies have reported on in‐vivo posterior femoral condyle translations during various activities of the knee. However, no data has been reported on the knee motion during a continuous flexion‐extension cycle. Further, few studies have investigated the gender variations on the knee kinematics. This study quantitatively determined femoral condylar motion of 10 male and 10 female knees during a continuous weightbearing flexion‐extension cycle using two‐dimensional to three‐dimensional fluoroscopic tracking technique. The knees were CT‐scanned to create three‐dimensional models of the tibia and femur. Continuous images of each subject were taken using a single‐fluoroscopic imaging system. The knee kinematics were measured along the motion path using geometric center axis of the femur. The results indicated that statistical differences between the flexion and extension motions were only found in internal‐external tibial rotation and lateral femoral condylar motion at the middle range of flexion angles. At low flexion angles, male knees have greater external tibial rotation and more posteriorly positioned medial femoral condyle than females. The knee did not show a specific pivoting type of rotation with flexion. Axial rotation center varied from lateral to medial compartments of the knee. These data could provide useful information for understanding physiological motion of normal knees. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:591–597, 2015.     

Differences in patellofemoral kinematics between weight‐bearing and non‐weight‐bearing conditions in patients with patellofemoral pain

Patellar maltracking is thought to be one source of patellofemoral pain. Measurements of patellar tracking are frequently obtained during non‐weight‐bearing knee extension; however, pain typically arises during highly loaded activities, such as squatting, stair climbing, and running. It is unclear whether patellofemoral joint kinematics during lightly loaded tasks replicate patellofemoral joint motion during weight‐bearing activities. The purpose of this study was to: evaluate differences between upright, weight‐bearing and supine, non‐weight‐bearing joint kinematics in patients with patellofemoral pain; and evaluate whether the kinematics in subjects with maltracking respond differently to weight‐bearing than those in nonmaltrackers. We used real‐time magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the patellofemoral joint during dynamic knee extension from 30° to 0° of knee flexion during two conditions: upright, weight‐bearing and supine, non‐weight‐bearing. We compared patellofemoral kinematics measured from the images. The patella translated more laterally during the supine task compared to the weight‐bearing task for knee flexion angles between 0° and 5° (p = 0.001). The kinematics of the maltrackers responded differently to joint loading than those of the non‐maltrackers. In subjects with excessive lateral patellar translation, the patella translated more laterally during upright, weight‐bearing knee extension for knee flexion angles between 25° and 30° (p = 0.001). However, in subjects with normal patellar translation, the patella translated more laterally during supine, non‐weight‐bearing knee extension near full extension (p = 0.001). These results suggest that patellofemoral kinematics measured during supine, unloaded tasks do not accurately represent the joint motion during weight‐bearing activities. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:312–317, 2011     

Patellofemoral kinematics during knee flexion-extension: an in vitro study.

The purpose of this work was to obtain kinematics data for the normal human patellofemoral joint in vitro. Eight fresh-frozen cadaver knees were used. The heads of the quadriceps were separated, and the knees mounted in a kinematics rig. The femoral axis was aligned with an electromagnetic transmitter. The six heads of the quadriceps, including vasti medialis and lateralis obliquus, were loaded via cables according to their physiological cross-sectional areas and orientations. Magnetic trackers were mounted on the patella and tibia. The knee was flexed-extended against the extending muscle action, and patellar tracking was measured in six degrees of freedom. As the knee flexed, the patella flexed by 0.7 times the tibiofemoral flexion angle. It also translated medially 4 mm to engage the trochlear groove at 20 degrees knee flexion, then translated to 7 mm lateral by 90 degrees knee flexion. The patella tilted progressively to 7 degrees lateral by 90 degrees knee flexion, and patellar medial-lateral rotation was usually less than 3 degrees. This is believed to be the first set of patellar tracking data obtained in both flexion and extension motion while the patella was acted on by a full set of quadriceps muscle tensions acting in physiological directions. These data may be used in future studies of the effects of pathologies on patellar tracking.     

Knee kinematics in medial osteoarthritis during in vivo weight‐bearing activities

Dynamic knee kinematics were analyzed for medial osteoarthritic (OA) knees in three activities, including two types of maximum knee flexion. Continuous x‐ray images of kneeling, squatting, and stair climbing motions were taken using a large flat panel detector. CT‐derived bone models were used for the model registration‐based 3D kinematic measurements. Three‐dimensional joint kinematics and contact locations were determined using two methods: bone‐fixed coordinate systems and by interrogation of CT‐based bone model surfaces. The femur exhibited gradual external rotation with knee flexion for kneeling and squatting activities, and gradual internal rotation with knee extension for stair climbing. From 100° to 120° flexion, contact locations showed a medial pivot pattern similar to normal knees. However, knees with medial OA displayed a femoral internal rotation bias and less posterior translation when compared with normal knees. A classic screw‐home movement was not observed in OA knees near extension. Decreased variability with both activities and methods of calculation were demonstrated for all three activities. In conclusion, the weight‐bearing kinematics of patients with medial OA differs from normal knees. Pathological changes of the articulating surfaces and the ligaments correspond to observed abnormalities in knee kinematics. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1555–1561, 2009     

Measurement of patellar tracking: assessment and analysis of the literature

Patellar tracking is defined as the motion of the patella relative to the femur or femoral groove on knee flexion and extension. Abnormalities of tracking (maltracking) are thought to relate to many disorders of the patellofemoral joint and may be defined easily or may be extremely difficult to observe. Accurate measurement of patellar tracking, and definition of normal tracking, have not been achieved yet in experimental conditions or in clinical conditions. Such information would be valuable in the diagnosis and treatment of patellofemoral disorders. In the current report, the literature is reviewed critically with an emphasis on methodology and results. The reporting of patellar tracking is affected significantly by basic definitions of coordinate systems and reference points. The method of muscle loading, range, and direction of knee motion, use of static or dynamic measurement techniques, and tibial rotation also will affect the results obtained. The accuracy of the equipment used is important as differences in tracking may be small. Comparison between existing studies is difficult because of differences in methodology. There is general agreement that the patella translates medially in early knee flexion and then translates laterally. Regarding patellar tilt, results are less consistent, especially in vivo and the results for patellar rotation are highly variable.     

Kinematics of medial osteoarthritic knees before and after posterior cruciate ligament retaining total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely accepted surgical procedure for the treatment of patients with end‐stage osteoarthritis (OA). However, the function of the knee is not always fully recovered after TKA. We used a dual fluoroscopic imaging system to evaluate the in vivo kinematics of the knee with medial compartment OA before and after a posterior cruciate ligament‐retaining TKA (PCR‐TKA) during weight‐bearing knee flexion, and compared the results to those of normal knees. The OA knees displayed similar internal/external tibial rotation to normal knees. However, the OA knees had less overall posterior femoral translation relative to the tibia between 0° and 105° flexion and more varus knee rotation between 0° and 45° flexion, than in the normal knees. Additionally, in the OA knees the femur was located more medially than in the normal knees, particularly between 30° and 60° flexion. After PCR‐TKA, the knee kinematics were not restored to normal. The overall internal tibial rotation and posterior femoral translation between 0° and 105° knee flexion were dramatically reduced. Additionally, PCR‐TKA introduced an abnormal anterior femoral translation during early knee flexion, and the femur was located lateral to the tibia throughout weight‐bearing flexion. The data help understand the biomechanical functions of the knee with medial compartment OA before and after contemporary PCR‐TKA. They may also be useful for improvement of future prostheses designs and surgical techniques in treatment of knees with end‐stage OA. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:40–46, 2011     

Physiological sagittal plane patellar kinematics during dynamic deep knee flexion

Purpose

Lateral radiographic views can be easily taken and have reveal considerable information about the patella. The purpose of this study was to obtain sagittal plane patellar kinematics data through the entire range of knee flexion under weight-bearing conditions.

Methods

Patellar flexion angles relative to the femur and tibia and anterior-posterior and proximal-distal translations of the patella relative to the femur and tibia were measured from 0 to 165° knee flexion in nine healthy knees using dynamic radiographic images.

Results

The patella flexed relative to the femur and tibia by two thirds times and one third times the knee flexion angle, respectively. The patella translated in an arc relative to the femur and tibia as the knee flexed. In early flexion, the superior and centroid points translated anteriorly and then the patella translated posteriorly relative to the femur. All three points of the patella translated posteriorly relative to the tibia during a full range of flexion. An average of four and three millimetres proximal patellar translation relative to the tibia was demonstrated from 0 to 20° and 140 to 160° knee flexion, respectively.

Conclusions

Physiological sagittal plane patellar kinematics, including patellar flexion angles and translations relative to the femur and tibia, showed generally similar patterns for each subject. Measurements of dynamic radiographic images under weight-bearing activities may enhance the opportunity to identify patellar pathological conditions.     

Sectioning the medial patellofemoral ligament alters patellofemoral joint kinematics and contact mechanics

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) disruption may alter patellofemoral joint (PFJ) kinematics and contact mechanics, potentially causing pain and joint degeneration. In this controlled laboratory study, we investigated the hypothesis that MPFL transection would change patellar tracking and PFJ contact pressures and increase the distance between the attachment points of the MPFL. Eight fresh frozen dissected cadaveric knees were mounted in a rig with the quadriceps and ITB loaded to 205 N. An optical tracking system measured joint kinematics, and pressure sensitive film between the patella and trochlea measured PFJ contact pressures. Length patterns of the distance between the femoral and patellar attachments of the MPFL were measured using a suture led to a linear displacement transducer. Measurements were repeated with the MPFL intact and following MPFL transection. A significant increase in the distance between the patellar and femoral MPFL attachment points was noted following transection (p < 0.05). MPFL transection resulted in significantly increased lateral translation and lateral tilt of the patella in early flexion (p < 0.05). Peak and mean medial PFJ contact pressures were significantly reduced and peak lateral contact pressures significantly elevated in early knee flexion following MPFL transection (p < 0.05). MPFL transection resulted in significant alterations to PFJ tracking and contact pressures, which may affect articular cartilage health. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1423–1429, 2013     

Comparison of posterior-stabilized,cruciate-retaining,and medial-stabilized knee implant motion during gait

Accurate knowledge of knee joint motion is needed to evaluate the effects of implant design on functional performance and component wear. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to measure and compare 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) kinematics and femoral condylar motion of posterior-stabilized (PS), cruciate-retaining (CR), and medial-stabilized (MS) knee implant designs for one cycle of walking. A mobile biplane X-ray imaging system was used to accurately measure 6-DOF tibiofemoral motion as patients implanted with PS (n = 23), CR (n = 25), or MS (n = 26) knees walked over ground at their self-selected speeds. Knee flexion angle did not differ significantly between the three designs. Relative movements of the femoral and tibial components were generally similar for PS and CR with significant differences observed only for anterior tibial drawer. Knee kinematic profiles measured for MS were appreciably different: external rotation and abduction of the tibia were increased while peak-to-peak anterior drawer was significantly reduced for MS compared with PS and CR. Anterior-posterior drawer and medial-lateral shift of the tibia were strongly coupled to internal-external rotation for MS, as was anterior-posterior translation of the contact center in the lateral compartment. MS exhibited the least amount of paradoxical anterior translation of the femur relative to the tibia during knee flexion. The joint center of rotation in the transverse plane was located in the lateral compartment for PS and CR and in the medial compartment for MS. Substantial differences were evident in 6-DOF knee kinematics between the healthy knee and all three prosthetic designs. Overall, knee kinematic profiles observed for MS resemble those of the healthy joint more closely than PS and CR.     

A three-dimensional MRI analysis of knee kinematics.

PURPOSE: To quantify normal, in vivo tibio-femoral knee joint kinematics in multiple weight bearing positions using non-invasive, high-resolution MRI and discuss the potential of developing future kinematic methods to assess patients with abnormal joint pathologies. METHODS: Ten volunteers with clinically normal knees pushed inferiorly on the footplate of a weight bearing apparatus inside the MR scanner. The volunteers held the weight (133 N) for five scans as the knee motion was evaluated from 0 degrees to 60 degrees of flexion. Full extension was set as the zero point for all measured parameters. Using 3D reconstructions, tibia motion relative to the femur and flexion angle was measured as varus-valgus angle, axial rotation, anterior-posterior translation, and medial-lateral translation. Medial and lateral compartment tibio-femoral contact areas were examined and centroids of the contract areas were calculated. RESULTS: Tibial internal rotation averaged 4.8 degrees at 40 degrees of flexion and then decreased. Tibial valgus increased by 8 degrees at 60 degrees of flexion. Femoral roll back also increased to 18.5 mm average at 60 degrees of flexion, while the tibia translated medially 2.5 mm. Medial compartment femoro-tibial contact area started at 374 mm2 and decreased to 308 mm2 with flexion of 60 degrees, while lateral compartment contact area did not change significantly from 276 mm2. CONCLUSIONS: Results correlate with previous studies of knee kinematics while providing greater three-dimensional detail. MR imaging allows excellent non-invasive evaluation of knee joint kinematics with weight bearing. This tool may potentially be used for assessing knee kinematics in patients with knee pathology.     

Statistical modeling to characterize relationships between knee anatomy and kinematics

The mechanics of the knee are complex and dependent on the shape of the articular surfaces and their relative alignment. Insight into how anatomy relates to kinematics can establish biomechanical norms, support the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies (e.g., patellar maltracking) and inform implant design. Prior studies have used correlations to identify anatomical measures related to specific motions. The objective of this study was to describe relationships between knee anatomy and tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) kinematics using a statistical shape and function modeling approach. A principal component (PC) analysis was performed on a 20‐specimen dataset consisting of shape of the bone and cartilage for the femur, tibia and patella derived from imaging and six‐degree‐of‐freedom TF and PF kinematics from cadaveric testing during a simulated squat. The PC modes characterized links between anatomy and kinematics; the first mode captured scaling and shape changes in the condylar radii and their influence on TF anterior–posterior translation, internal‐external rotation, and the location of the femoral lowest point. Subsequent modes described relations in patella shape and alta/baja alignment impacting PF kinematics. The complex interactions described with the data‐driven statistical approach provide insight into knee mechanics that is useful clinically and in implant design. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1620–1630, 2015.     

Patellar tracking measurement in the normal knee

Eleven fresh frozen cadaveric knee specimens were mounted in a knee kinematics test device, and normal patellar movements were evaluated with use of an external device for direct measurement of patellar movements. The effects of four different measurement conditions were assessed through alteration of one condition and determination of its effect on patellar kinematics with the use of six specimens. The four conditions included (a) change of the measuring axis from an axis parallel to the central axis of the femur (femoral axis) to one parallel to the central axis of the tibia (tibial axis), (b) rotation of the femoral axis internally 6°, (c) change of the direction of the quadriceps force from parallel to the mechanical line of the lower extremity to a direction parallel to the femoral shaft, and (d) increase of the magnitude of the quadriceps force from 111 to 500 N. During knee flexion, the patella shifted laterally after a slight initial medial shift, tilted laterally from midflexion to 90°, and gradually rotated medially. The patellar shift relative to the tibial axis appeared to be more medial than the shift measured relative to the femoral axis; the discrepancy was caused by the valgus position of the tibia relative to the femur. Changing the rotational angle of the femoral axis artifically changed the patellar position. Varying the direction of the quadriceps within the narrow range and increasing the quadriceps force did not affect patellar movements. It is likely that the anatomic configuration of the patella allows the patella to seat in a stable configuration so that it resists moderate changes in the load and direction of the quadriceps. Tibial rotation exerted a major influence on patellar shift and tilt in the early phase of knee flexion: the patella rotated medially when the tibia was externally rotated and rotated laterally when the tibia was internally rotated. These results indicate that the patella may be unstable in the first phase of knee flexion when the tibia is rotated.     

Patellar tendon orientation and patellar tracking in male and female knees

Knowledge of patellofemoral joint biomechanics is important for understanding sex‐related dimorphism in patellofemoral pathologies and advancement of related treatments. We evaluated the hypotheses that sex differences exist in patellar tendon (PT) orientation and patellar tracking during weight‐bearing knee flexion and that they relate to differences in tibiofemoral rotation. The PT orientation and patellar tracking were measured in healthy subjects (18 male, 13 female) during weight‐bearing knee flexion, using magnetic resonance and dual fluoroscopic imaging. These data were analyzed for sex differences and correlation with previously reported tibiofemoral rotation data. The results indicated a significant effect of sex on PT orientation, particularly at low flexion angles. In females, the PT was oriented more anteriorly in the sagittal plane, more medially in the coronal plane, and showed greater external tilt in the transverse plane of the tibia (p < 0.05). Significant correlations between tibiofemoral rotation and PT orientation (p < 0.01) indicated that sex differences in coronal and transverse plane orientation of the PT relate to differences in tibiofemoral rotation. Patellar tracking did not show significant sex differences or correlation to tibiofemoral rotation. Further studies are warranted to determine implications for patellofemoral pathologies and treatments like total knee arthroplasty. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:322–328, 2010     

The effect of tibiofemoral joint kinematics on patellofemoral contact pressures under simulated muscle loads.

Altered patellofemoral joint contact pressures are thought to contribute to patellofemoral joint symptoms. However, little is known about the relationship between tibiofemoral joint kinematics and patellofemoral joint contact pressures. The objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of tibiofemoral joint kinematics on patellofemoral joint pressures using an established in vitro robotic testing experimental setup. Eight cadaveric knee specimens were tested at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, and 120 degrees of flexion under an isolated quadriceps load of 400 N and a combined quadriceps/hamstrings load of 400 N/200 N. Tibiofemoral joint kinematics were measured by the robot and contact pressures by a TekScan pressure sensor. The isolated quadriceps loading caused anterior translation and internal rotation of the tibia up to 60 degrees of flexion and posterior translation and external rotation of the tibia beyond 60 degrees. The co-contraction of the hamstring muscles caused a posterior translation and external rotation of the tibia relative to the motion of the tibia under the quadriceps load. Correspondingly, the contact pressures were elevated significantly at all flexion angles. For example, at 60 degrees of flexion, the hamstrings co-contraction increased the posterior tibial translation by approximately 2.8 mm and external tibial rotation by approximately 3.6 degrees. The peak contact pressure increased from 1.4+/-0.8 to 1.7+/-1.0 MPa, a 15% increase. The elevated contact pressures after hamstrings co-contraction indicates an intrinsic relation between the tibiofemoral joint kinematics and the patellofemoral joint biomechanics. An increase in posterior tibial translation and external rotation is accompanied by an increase in contact pressure in the patellofemoral joint. These results imply that excessive strength conditioning with the hamstring muscles might not be beneficial to the patellofemoral joint. Knee pathology that causes an increase in tibial posterior translation and external rotation might contribute to degeneration of the patellofemoral joint. These results suggest that conservative treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injury should be reconsidered.     

Dynamic activity dependence of in vivo normal knee kinematics

Dynamic knee kinematics were analyzed for normal knees in three activities, including two different types of maximum knee flexion. Continuous X‐ray images of kneel, squat, and stair climb motions were taken using a large flat panel detector. CT‐derived bone models were used for model registration‐based 3D kinematic measurement. Three‐dimensional joint kinematics and contact locations were determined using three methods: bone‐fixed coordinate systems, interrogation of CT‐based bone model surfaces, and interrogation of MR‐based articular cartilage model surfaces. The femur exhibited gradual external rotation throughout the flexion range. Tibiofemoral contact exhibited external rotation, with contact locations translating posterior while maintaining 15° to 20° external rotation from 20° to 80° of flexion. From 80° to maximum flexion, contact locations showed a medial pivot pattern. Kinematics based on bone‐fixed coordinate systems differed from kinematics based on interrogation of CT and MR surfaces. Knee kinematics varied significantly by activity, especially in deep flexion. No posterior subluxation occurred for either femoral condyle in maximum knee flexion. Normal knees accommodate a range of motions during various activities while maintaining geometric joint congruency. © Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:428–434, 2008     

The three-dimensional tracking pattern of the human patella

A study was undertaken to provide data on the three-dimensional tracking pattern of the patella, relative to the femur, in human knee-joint specimens. For this purpose, a highly accurate roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) method was applied. The three-dimensional motion patterns of the tibia and the patella were measured and represented in terms of three translations and three rotations each, during knee flexion in neutral (unloaded), endorotated, and exorotated pathways. We found that the patella displays complex but consistent three-dimensional motion patterns during flexion, which include flexion rotation, medial rotation, wavering tilt, and a lateral shift relative to the femur. The motion patterns are very much affected by tibial rotations accompanying flexion.     

Total knees designed for normal kinematics evaluated in an up‐and‐down crouching machine

We constructed a crouching machine to study the motion of the knee joint, in which a motor was used to wind the quadriceps tendon so as to move the knee from high flexion to extension and back into flexion, while springs simulated hamstrings forces. Seven human cadaveric knees were tested intact and then after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) resection. Motions of the femur, tibia, and patella were recorded by an optical tracking system. We then inserted plastic models representing commonly used total condylar and posterior stabilized knee replacement designs. Femoral motion was described by successive positions of the transverse axis of the femur projected onto the tibial surface. In the knee replacements, motions were similar to that of an ACL‐deficient knee. We then tested two new designs with features intended to prevent anterior paradoxical sliding and to promote a medial pivot motion with femoral rollback primarily on the lateral side. The motion path more closely followed that of the normal intact knee. We concluded that motion guiding features in a total knee replacement could reproduce a normal neutral path that might result in functional improvements for the patient. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 1022–1027, 2009     

In‐vivo patellar tracking in individuals with patellofemoral pain and healthy individuals

Understanding of the exact cause of patellofemoral pain has been limited by methodological challenges to evaluate in‐vivo joint motion. This study compared six degree‐of‐freedom patellar motion during a dynamic lunge task between individuals with patellofemoral pain and healthy individuals. Knee joints of eight females with patellofemoral pain and ten healthy females were imaged using a CT scanner in supine lying position, then by a dual‐orthogonal fluoroscope while they performed a lunge. To quantify patellar motion, the three‐dimensional models of the knee bones, reconstructed from CT scans, were registered on the fluoroscopy images using the Fluomotion registration software. At full knee extension, the patella was in a significantly laterally tilted (PFP: 11.77° ± 7.58° vs. healthy: 0.86° ± 4.90°; p = 0.002) and superiorly shifted (PFP: 17.49 ± 8.44 mm vs. healthy: 9.47 ± 6.16 mm, p = 0. 033) position in the patellofemoral pain group compared with the healthy group. There were also significant differences between the groups for patellar tilt at 45°, 60°, and 75° of knee flexion, and for superior‐inferior shift of the patella at 30° flexion (p ≤ 0.031). In the non‐weight‐bearing knee extended position, the patella was in a significantly laterally tilted position in the patellofemoral pain group (7.44° ± 6.53°) compared with the healthy group (0.71° ± 4.99°). These findings suggest the critical role of passive and active patellar stabilizers as potential causative factors for patellar malalignment/maltracking. Future studies should investigate the associations between patellar kinematics with joint morphology, muscle activity, and tendon function in a same sample for a thorough understanding of the causes of patellofemoral pain. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2193–2201, 2018.