If the femoral groove is shallow, the patellar tendon is excessively long, or the stabilizing ligaments, tendons, or muscles are too tight or loose, the kneecap can shift, tilt, or rotate off track (sublux). As you bend your knee to a 90-degree angle, a misaligned kneecap will have increasing abnormal contact with the thighbone, creating painful pressure.
In extreme cases, the kneecap can dislocate. After a kneecap has been dislocated once, it may dislocate more easily in the future. Any resulting damage to the kneecap or supportive tissue can lead to ongoing patellar tracking problems.
Untreated patellar tracking disorder can lead to:
Cartilage damage (chondrosis).
Osteoarthritis of the knee.