Lateral patellar hypertension syndrome is a common clinical disease, but due to different diagnostic criteria, a lot of controversies and difficulties about the diagnosis exist. The anatomical structure of the patellofemoral joint is complex, which can be divided into soft tissue structure and bony structure. The bony structure plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the patellofemoral joint, and the soft tissue structure is mainly composed of medial and lateral patella retinaculum and quadriceps tendon. Patellofemoral pain may be associated with adverse power lines, and abnormal load transmission in the patellofemoral joint and overload in the subchondral bone may be the most important causes of the pain. Pain is the main clinical manifestation of lateral patellar hypertension syndrome, and patellofemoral joint tenderness is mainly included in the physical examination. The quadriceps resistance test results are positive. The X-ray examination shows patellar tilt or subluxation, and the CT and MRI examinations show patellar tilt and cartilage injuries. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical manifestations and laboratory examinations. There are conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Since a fully unified understanding of the fundamental cause of lateral patellar hypertension syndrome has not been reached, the correct choice of therapeutic methods during different stages has a strong influence on the curative results. According to the clinical reports, the short-term effects are better, and the gradual treatment plan should be made by surgeons with rich clinical experience. Clinical education plays an irreplaceable role in the treatment of early lesions. In this paper, the anatomy, pain mechanisms, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods of the patellofemoral joint will be discussed, which may be helpful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.