Patellar instability is a common injury that can result in significant limitations of activity and long-term arthritis. There is a high risk of recurrence in patients and operative management is often indicated. Advances in the understanding of patellofemoral anatomy, such as knowledge about the medial patellofemoral ligament, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, and trochlear dysplasia may allow improved surgical management of patellar instability. However, techniques such as MPFL reconstruction are technically demanding and may result in significant complication. The role of trochleoplasty remains unclear.