ABSTRACT
OSTEOLOGY The patella (Fig. 16.1) is a sesamoid bone, triangular in shape with its apex inferior. Its anterior surface is subcutaneous; the posterior is smooth, with a smaller medial and a larger lateral facet for articulation with the femoral condyles. The quadriceps tendon is attached to the upper border and the patellar tendon or ligament to the apex; muscle fibres from vastus medialis are attached to its medial border and tendinous expansions from the vastus medialis and lateralis (retinacula) are attached to the medial and lateral borders and also to the neighbouring tibial condyles. In the standing position the lower border of the patella lies slightly proximal to the level of the knee joint.
