What Is a Shallow Trochlear Groove

A shallow or dysplastic trochlear groove that develops in some people allows the patella to move too far side-to-side and may be a source of chronic patellar instability problems. The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament.

What is Trochlear groove?

The trochlea is a groove in the femur bone underneath the kneecap (patella). The walls of the trochlea stabilize the patella and allow it to glide down the center of the trochlea as the knee bends.

What is shallow femoral trochlea?

Femoral trochlear dysplasia is characterized by an abnormally shallow trochlear groove. Disengagement of the patella from the shallow femoral trochlea is common in FTD and is a predisposing risk factor to recurrent patellar dislocation and subsequent premature osteoarthrosis.