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Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Hervé Collado1, Michael Fredericson
1Department of Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sport Medicine, University Hospital la Timone, Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France. herve.collado@ap-hm.fr
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) causes anterior knee pain and is challenging to diagnose. This review covers its complex causes, diagnosis, and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Patellofemoral pain (PFP) syndrome is a common overuse injury characterized by anterior knee pain.
- Diagnosis and etiology of PFP remain challenging due to inconsistent terminology and multifactorial causes.
- PFPS likely results from a complex interplay of intrinsic anatomical and extrinsic training factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the pathophysiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
- To review current diagnostic approaches for PFP.
- To outline management strategies for patients with PFPS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on patellofemoral pain syndrome.
- Synthesis of information regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Discussion of the complex interactions contributing to PFPS.
Main Results:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome is multifactorial, involving intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
- No consensus exists on the primary etiology or causative factors of PFPS.
- Consistent diagnostic criteria and management protocols are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome requires a comprehensive understanding of its complex pathophysiology.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective management of PFPS are hindered by a lack of consensus.
- Further research is needed to clarify the etiology and optimize treatment for PFPS.
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