Patellofemoral syndrome

Background

• Major cause of anterior knee pain (especially in women)
  • Pain comes from contact of posterior surface of patella with the femur
• 3 major causes:
  • 1. Focal trauma (least common)
  • 2. Overuse
  • 3. Abnormal patellar tracking (due to quadriceps weakness)

Clinical Features

• Gradual onset of unilateral, anterior knee pain, nonradiating
• Pain worsened by prolonged knee flexion ("moviegoer syndrome") and stair climbing
• Patellar grind test
  • Press patella away from femoral condyles while pt contracts the quadriceps
    • Sudden patellar pain and relaxation of the muscle is positive test

Treatment

• Conservative therapy (w/ emphasis on physical therapy and strengthening)

See Also

• Knee (Minor)

Source

• Tintinalli