Skip to main content

Patellofemoral Pain (PFP), Sports Medicine

Kevin deWeber, MD, FAAFP, FACSM, RMSK and Vihangi Hindagolla, DO Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Overuse injury with pain located around or behind the patella

  • Multifactorial in origin resulting in biomechanical changes in normal alignment of the patella

  • Synonym(s):

    • Chondromalacia p...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Recent changes in activity frequency, type, and intensity

  • Increased duration of wear or changes to current exercise footwear

  • Anterior knee pain after prolonged sitting (“theater sign”),...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • There is no evidence that a single treatment modality works for all patients with patellofemoral syndrome. Limited evidence shows that some treatment modalities may work for ...

REFERENCES

1
Haim A, Yaniv M, Dekel S, et al. Patellofemoral pain syndrome: validity of clinical and radiological features. Clin Orthop Relat Res.  2006;451:223–228.
2
Saltychev M, Dutton RA, Laimi ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Brushøj C, Hölmich P, Nielsen MB, et al. Acute patellofemoral pain: aggravating activities, clinical examination, MRI and ultrasound findings. Br J Sports Med.  2008;42(1):64–6...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Return to activity:

    • If patient has PFP during, immediately following, or the day after exercising:

      • Decrease activity. Avoid strength training exercises such as full squats and lunges.

      • Con...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×