Patellofemoral pain syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common disorders of the knee, accounting for 25% of knee injuries seen in a sports medicine clinic.
The causes of patellofemoral problems are multifactorial, including abnormal patellofemoral joint mechanics, lower kinetic chain alterations, and overuse.
Patients typically note the insidious onset of an ill-defined ache localized to the anterior knee behind the patella.
There is no one physical exam or imaging test that is a standard for diagnosis.
Treatment is focused on activity modification and correction of specific risk factors.

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Q angle

Citations

Key Articles

Fredericson M, Powers CM. Practical management of patellofemoral pain. Clin J Sport Med. 2002;12:36-38.[Abstract]
Earl JE, Vetter CS. Patellofemoral pain. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007;18:439-458,viii.[Abstract]
Fredericson M, Yoon K. Physical examination and patellofemoral pain syndrome: a review. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2006;85:234-243.[Abstract]
American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria. Chronic knee pain. 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Collins NJ, Bisset LM, Crossley KM, et al. Efficacy of nonsurgical interventions for anterior knee pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Sports Med. 2012;42:31-49.[Abstract]

Referenced Articles

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