Patellar Taping

Original Editors - Joris De Pot

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Clinically Relevant Anatomy

The patella needs to fit into the patella grove. A tilt or a lateral glide is when the lateral ligament is to strong and the quadriceps to weak to hold the patella in his grove. The patella is locked out of his normal position, this causes pain. When there is too much force on the lateral side of the femur and relaxation of cartilage, that's called chondromalacia. To increase the pain, the patella has to put into the patella grove. This can be done by a tape or a brace.

Purpose

The purpose of the McConnell taping procedures is to correct abnormal patellar tracking to allow the patient to engage in physical therapy exercise pain free. Although there are several variations of the taping procedure recommended, depending on the specific needs of the patient (eg, glide, tilt, and/or rotation), as reported by McConnell, nearly all patients require a medial glide of their patellas.

The McConnell taping technique was developed to correct altered patellofemoral kinematics and permit participation in normal daily activity.

Technique

McConnell taping is accomplished by way of application of specialized adhesive tape applied across the anterior aspect of the patella, pulling from lateral to medial, to in effect “medialize” the patellofemoral joint (PFJ). Once applied the patients should experience a reduction in their symptoms associated with PFPS, thus enabling them to engage in physical therapy exercise. As such, the ability of the strapping procedure to maintain the medialized position of the patella is critical for the duration of the physical activity.

Begin lying on your back, with the knee slightly bent, but completely relaxed and a foam roller or rolled up towel under the knee.
Start the tape in line with the middle of the knee cap at the outer aspect of the knee. Using your thumb on top of the sports tape, gently push the knee cap towards the inner aspect of the knee whilst simultaneously using your fingers to pull the skin at the inner aspect of the knee towards the knee cap. Finish this taping technique at the inner aspect of the knee ensuring you have created some wrinkling of the skin at the inner aspect of the knee. Repeat this process 1 - 3 times depending on the amount of support required.

McConnell taping medialized the patella in participants who demonstrated lateral displacement at baseline and lateralized the patella in participants who demonstrated medial patellar displacement at baseline.

The McConnell taping technique can also help keep the kneecap in alignment. This can help reestablish normal movement and allow the muscles that hold the kneecap in place to redevelop properly.

           

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