MPFL reconstruction is a knee surgery that rebuilds the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). The MPFL helps keep the kneecap (patella) tracking in place on the thigh bone (femur). This procedure is commonly used for patellar instability, especially repeated kneecap dislocations. It is most often discussed in sports medicine and orthopedic care for anterior knee problems.

An MPFL tear is an injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament, a key stabilizer of the kneecap. It most often occurs when the kneecap (patella) dislocates or partially dislocates to the outside of the knee. In plain terms, it is a “torn kneecap-stabilizing ligament” on the inner side of the knee. The term is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency care, and physical therapy when evaluating kneecap instability.

Patellar subluxation is a partial, temporary shift of the kneecap out of its normal track. It usually involves the patella moving toward the outside (lateral side) of the knee. It can cause pain, a “giving way” feeling, or a brief sense that the kneecap slid and then returned. The term is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy when discussing patellofemoral (kneecap–thigh bone) instability.

First-time patellar dislocation is a first episode where the kneecap (patella) comes fully out of its normal groove. It most often shifts to the outside (lateral side) of the knee. It is commonly discussed in sports medicine, orthopedics, emergency care, and physical therapy. It is used as a clinical label that helps describe the injury pattern and guide evaluation and follow-up planning.

Recurrent patellar dislocation is a condition where the kneecap (patella) repeatedly slips out of its normal groove in the thigh bone (femur). Most episodes shift the patella toward the outside of the knee, then it may go back in on its own or require assistance. It is commonly discussed in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy because it can cause instability, pain, and repeat injury. The term is used as a diagnosis and as a way to describe a pattern of knee instability over time.

Patellar instability means the kneecap (patella) does not stay centered as it moves. It can range from a brief “shift” to a partial slip (subluxation) or a full dislocation. It is commonly discussed in sports medicine, orthopedics, and physical therapy. People often notice pain, a sense of giving way, or fear that the kneecap will slip again.

Runner’s knee is a common term for pain felt around the front of the knee, often near or behind the kneecap. It is most often used to describe patellofemoral pain related to activity and overuse. It is commonly discussed in running, sports medicine, orthopedics, and physical therapy settings. It can describe a symptom pattern rather than one single injury seen on a scan.

PFPS most commonly refers to **patellofemoral pain syndrome**. It describes **pain around or behind the kneecap (patella)** related to the patellofemoral joint. PFPS is widely used in **sports medicine, orthopedics, and physical therapy** to describe a common pattern of anterior knee pain. It is a **clinical label**, not a single disease with one proven cause.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee or around the kneecap. It is often felt during activities that load a bent knee, such as stairs, squatting, or running. It describes a pain pattern and clinical diagnosis rather than a single, visible injury. The term is used in orthopedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy to guide evaluation and care planning.

All-inside meniscus repair is an arthroscopic technique used to stitch a torn meniscus inside the knee joint. It is commonly performed for meniscus tears that are considered repairable rather than removable. The term “all-inside” refers to placing the repair from within the joint using arthroscopic portals and specialized devices. It is often discussed in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery for active patients with acute knee injuries.