Patellofemoral pain is a very complex and often time’s vague pathology located in the area of the anterior knee commonly causing both pain and dysfunction. Included in this 2-part series will be this article, which will detail pertinent anatomy, and biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint and thoroughly detail the history and physical examination and evaluation of this perplexing condition. Part 2 of this series will detail the nonsurgical approach to treatment of the patellofemoral joint using an evidence-based rehabilitation approach.