rotulle

Rotulle, also known as the patella, is a small, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. It serves as a protective shield for the articulation and also acts as a crucial component in the knee's extension mechanism. The quadriceps femoris muscle, a large group of muscles in the front of the thigh, attaches to the quadriceps tendon, which then envelops the patella before connecting to the tibia via the patellar ligament.

This arrangement allows the quadriceps to exert force on the tibia, straightening the leg. The patella glides within a groove on the anterior surface of the femur called the trochlear groove. This smooth gliding motion is essential for efficient and pain-free knee movement, enabling activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Several factors can influence the patella's tracking and function. The shape of the trochlear groove, the alignment of the leg bones, and the strength and balance of the surrounding muscles all play a role. Injuries to the patella can include fractures, dislocations, and conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as "runner's knee," which causes pain around or behind the kneecap. Maintaining good muscle strength, flexibility, and proper biomechanics is important for the health and proper functioning of the rotulle.