Abstract
CLINICAL PRESENTATION & EXAM: The primary characteristic of this condition is anterior patellar pain that worsens when the knee is put in a flexed, weight-bearing position. Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) typically experience pain or stiffness during prolonged periods of sitting or when the patient descends stairs. Some of the most common forms of examination include examining a patient's gait, posture, and footwear. The patient should be asked about their current activity level, previous knee surgery or injuries, and recent changes in activity. Occasionally, knee buckling may occur due to weakness or pain in the quadriceps, resulting in a loss of muscle tone. ANATOMY & PATHOLOGY: The patella and trochlea of the femur form the patellofemoral joint. This joint assists in deceleration and acts as a lever to decrease the force of the quadriceps during knee extension. The patellofemoral joint is stabilized during dynamic movements by the quadriceps tendon, patellar ligament, vastus medialis obliquus, vastus lateralis, and iliotibial band. The articular capsule, the femoral trochlea, the medial and lateral retinacula, and the patellofemoral ligaments provide static stability. A contributing factor to PFPS is an angle known as the “Q-angle”. It is measured from the anterior superior iliac spine to the center of the patella to the tibial tubercle. It is approximately 13-15 degrees in men and 17-22 degrees in women, with greater angles associated with PFPS. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING & CONSIDERATIONS: Diagnosis can be determined using physical examinations and the patients' medical history. Activities such as squatting, navigating stairs, and prolonged sitting can be evaluated for pain. Lower-extremity biomechanics, gait, and dynamic movement patterns should all be evaluated, in addition to hip and quadriceps strength and flexibility tests. Imaging may be used to rule out other pathologies when symptoms are persistent or getting worse. TREATMENT & RETURN TO ACTIVITY: There is inconclusive evidence to show that anti-inflammatory medications are effective for treatment of PFPS. Physical Therapy may result in improvements with short- and long-term pain and should be individualized to the patient due to the multitude of possible contributing factors. Hip, trunk, and knee exercises should all be included in the patient's rehabilitation program. Kinesio taping has been effective in symptom management during the early course of PFPS. To prevent recurrence, a gradual return to activities should be based on symptom response.
Recommended Citation
Deaver, Baili; Friederich, Joseph; Ruot, Chuck; and Spindler, Lindsay
(2026)
"Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 192.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/192
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons