2026 Physician Lecture Series: Trochlear Development and Patellofemoral Instability in the Growing Patient

We are excited to announce that Drs. Elise Bixby, Abigail Campbell, and Ariana Lott of New York University (NYU) will be presenting an in-depth exploration of the topic of Trochlear Development and Patellofemoral Instability in the Growing Patient.

This presentation aims to shed light on the complex interplay between trochlear anatomy and the mechanisms that contribute to patellofemoral instability, particularly in pediatric and adolescent populations. The trochlea, which is a critical component of the knee joint, plays a significant role in the proper alignment and movement of the patella. Understanding its development is essential for diagnosing and treating conditions related to patellofemoral instability, which can lead to pain, dysfunction, and long-term complications if not addressed appropriately.

During their presentation, Drs. Bixby, Campbell, and Lott will delve into the latest research findings, highlighting how variations in trochlear morphology can influence the stability of the patellofemoral joint during the growth phases of a patient. They will discuss the implications of these findings for clinicians, particularly in the context of developing effective treatment strategies for young patients who are at risk of instability due to anatomical variations. Additionally, the presentation will cover current methodologies for assessing trochlear development and patellofemoral alignment in growing patients.

The doctors will also address potential interventions and surgical techniques that may be employed to correct instability, ensuring optimal outcomes for this vulnerable population. This session promises to be highly informative and relevant for healthcare professionals involved in pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, as it will provide critical insights into the management of knee conditions in growing patients. We encourage all interested parties to attend and engage with our esteemed speakers as they share their expertise and findings in this important area of study.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the anatomy and function of the trochlea in the knee joint.

2. Describe the stages of trochlear development during growth and its significance in pediatric patients.

3. Identify the common causes and risk factors associated with patellofemoral instability in growing patients.

4. Analyze the relationship between trochlear morphology and patellofemoral instability.

5. Evaluate the clinical implications of trochlear development on treatment strategies for patellofemoral instability.

6. Discuss the role of imaging techniques in assessing trochlear development and patellofemoral alignment.

7. Explore current research and advancements in the management of patellofemoral instability in children and adolescents.

SPEAKER BIOS:

Dr. Elise Bixby, MD

As a dual fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in pediatric and adult sports medicine at NYU Langone, I am dedicated to helping patients of all ages return to their active lifestyles.

Whether I’m treating young children who already specialize in one sport, multi-sport teenage athletes, weekend warriors, or those gracefully aging through continued exercise, my goal is to ensure that each patient can return to what they love, want and need to do.

My experience as a team doctor for professional sports teams, such as the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, and Charlotte Knights, as well as high school football teams and organizations like the Skating Club of Boston and the Boston Ballet, has equipped me with the expertise to manage a wide range of sports-related injuries.

I specialize in treating conditions of the shoulder, elbow and knee in adults as well as a wider range of sports injuries and fractures in children and adolescents. My surgical options often include minimally invasive or arthroscopic procedures, but I also perform larger open realignments and reconstruction surgery when necessary. Additionally, I offer conservative treatments such as thoughtful activity modification, physical therapy, medications, or injections.

I am committed to providing personalized care that considers each patient’s unique needs and goals. I value understanding my patients’ perspectives. By getting to know how an injury impacts their physical and emotional wellbeing, the specific activities they aim to return to, and any significant upcoming life events, I can create tailored treatment plans.

Having had surgery for a sports injury myself, I understand the importance of clear communication. I ensure that every patient leaves my office or the operating room with a clear understanding of their diagnosis, treatment plan, and what to expect in the long run.

In addition to patient care, I engage in research at NYU Langone Orthopedics and collaborate with colleagues nationwide. My research interests include growth-sparing surgeries in children, realignment for patellofemoral maltracking, and complex cartilage restoration. The outcomes of my research drive my clinical decision-making to provide the best possible care for my patients.

Dr. Abigail Campbell, MD

I had an athletic injury as a teenager, and this experience sparked my interest in orthopedics. As an undergraduate, I studied civil engineering as well as premed. I was interested in learning how towers and bridges were built and remained standing. After working in engineering, I found that the principles of bridge and building construction paralleled those in orthopedic surgery; and through surgery, I could apply these same principles to improve patients’ mobility and function.

Inspired by the intersection of anatomy and mechanics, I pursued medical school followed by orthopedic surgery residency. During training, I became interested in arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique performed through small incisions and requiring precision and care. In addition, I enjoyed the ethos of sports medicine, which is to return people to the activities they love. I spent my first few years in practice in Los Angeles treating sports injuries and orthopedic trauma before returning to NYU Langone as director of the Center for Women’s Sports Medicine.

At NYU Langone, the conditions I manage include injuries of the knee ligaments (most commonly anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL), the meniscus, and cartilage. I also perform shoulder surgeries, typically rotator cuff and labral repairs. I have a clinical interest in injuries of the patellofemoral or the kneecap joint. To manage these conditions, I specialize in arthroscopic and open surgeries, whichever is required for the injury. I also manage nonsurgical issues and can guide rehabilitation and recovery from all kinds of sports injuries of the elbow, hip, ankle, and foot.

As an active person and former college athlete, I have experienced many of the injuries that I manage in the people I care for. I value being a good listener and place myself in my patients’ shoes so that I understand their care goals. I am not just treating MRI and X-ray results—I treat each person’s symptoms, limitations, and goals.

Patient satisfaction is a priority of mine, and I view the doctor–patient relationship as a team effort aimed at getting you back to doing the things that you love. I work with an extensive group of specialists on both our physical therapy and physician teams, and we do everything we can to optimize care for a seamless experience.

My research interests include meniscal and cartilage healing, patellofemoral instability, and developing a better understanding of the basic science of tendon disease and healing.

Dr. Ariana Lott, MD

As an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone, I am committed to providing care that helps individuals return to the activities they enjoy. My background as a ballet dancer gives me a unique perspective on the physical demands placed on athletes and fuels my passion for sports injuries and their prevention. I am dedicated to offering knowledgeable and compassionate care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment tailored to their needs.

I specialize in sports medicine, treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. My expertise includes minimally invasive and advanced open surgeries of the shoulder, hip, and knee. However, most of my patients have symptoms that can be treated without surgery. I will work with you to make a precise diagnosis and then take time to outline your non-operative and operative treatment options.

My approach emphasizes clear communication and patient education, allowing you to make an informed decision about your treatment options so you can achieve your personal objectives, whether they be returning to competitive sports or enjoying daily activities without pain. Non-operative treatments can include medication, physical therapy, injections, and biologic treatments. I also work closely with NYU Langone’s skilled physical therapists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.

I completed my residency at NYU Langone as an executive chief resident followed by a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. There, I served as a member of the medical staff for the Pittsburgh Steelers and as an assistant team physician for the University of Pittsburgh football and gymnastics teams. I also trained in hip arthroscopy in France and Switzerland. I have published more than 50 papers on sports-related hip pathology, complex knee injuries, and dance-specific injuries.

My passion for medicine was sparked by the support and care of dedicated physicians who helped me during my youth as an athlete. This experience drives my commitment to providing the same level of care and support to my patients.

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