[Patellofemoral pain syndrome in young men compared to a normal population exposed to the same physical strain]

The causes of the patellofemoral pain syndrome, especially in young patients, continue to be largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which weight and activities that impose a strain on the knee influence the occurrence of patellofemoral pain in young, physically active men.

248 soldiers on mandatory military service were included in the study. 133 persons had pain in the knee prior to or during military service while 115 persons had no symptoms in the knee. Anthropometric data and patient history were recorded for all individuals. This was followed by clinical examination.

Age distribution and body mass index were identical in both groups. However, significantly more subjects in the group with pain prior to military service had been active sportsmen while a significantly larger number of normal individuals had had jobs that strained the knees. The greatest difference, however, was seen in the number of previous injuries. These were much more common in the group that had pain and the injuries most commonly were contusions.

It is well known that previous injuries and sports favor the emergence of patellar pain. However, persistent strain on the knee at work appears to be less commonly associated with this symptom. The individual's body-mass index was of no importance in this context.