Combining advanced computational and imaging techniques as a quantitative tool to estimate patellofemoral joint stress during downhill gait: A feasibility study

•Patellofemoral stress estimated by combining imaging and computational methods.•Individuals with and without patellofemoral OA evaluated during downhill gait.•Modeling framework identified unique patellofemoral stress profiles in both groups.•Patellofemoral OA group exhibit earlier increases in patellofemoral stress in downhill gait.•This technique provides a quantitative tool for tracking patellofemoral stress.