Patellofemoral disorders: physical and radiographic evaluation. Part I: Physical examination.

Patellofemoral disorders present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. By the sequential application of such basic diagnostic tools as inspection, palpation, and various measurements to a patient in standing, sitting, supine, and prone positions, a reproducible, comprehensive physical examination of the patellofemoral joint and entire lower extremity may be achieved.