[Patellofemoral pain]

A variable combination of patellar lateral subluxation, patellofemoral dysplasia, patella alta and secondary chondromalacia is the major cause of patellofemoral pain. Specific pathology such as medial plica syndrome or patellar tendinitis are less frequent, but their treatment is easier. A strict radiological protocol most often demonstrates the abnormalities. A CT-scan combined with an arthrogram is another imaging option. The goal of conservative treatment is to bring pain relief. The surgical correction of patellar maltracking can be proposed if conservative treatment fails, but has a high failure rate.