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Patellofemoral stress syndrome. Current concepts
1St John Sports Medicine Center, Nassau Bay, Texas.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Patellofemoral stress syndrome, characterized by knee pain, often improves with conservative exercises like stretching and strengthening. If conservative treatment fails, surgical options such as lateral retinacular release may be considered.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Patellofemoral stress syndrome presents as peripatellar pain without malalignment or instability.
- Key findings include lateral retinacular and iliotibial band tightness.
- Pain is often exacerbated by prolonged knee flexion and athletic activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic process for patellofemoral stress syndrome.
- To detail conservative and surgical treatment options.
- To emphasize the importance of exercise in management.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis relies on comprehensive history, physical evaluation, and specific radiographic views (AP, lateral, tangential).
- Conservative treatment involves a tailored exercise program including stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Surgical interventions like lateral retinacular release are considered if conservative methods fail.
Main Results:
- Conservative treatment demonstrates favorable outcomes in 60-80% of cases.
- A consistent exercise regimen is crucial for symptom resolution and long-term management.
- Surgical procedures, when necessary, are generally reliable solutions.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management of patellofemoral stress syndrome.
- Conservative treatment, particularly exercise, is the primary approach.
- Surgical options provide viable alternatives when conservative measures are insufficient.