Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Evaluation and treatment

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103 Scopus citations

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is common among athletes and nonathletes. It results from an imbalance of forces acting on the patellofemoral joint, which leads to increased strain on the peripatellar soft tissues, increased patellofemoral joint stress, or both. The most important risk factors are overuse, quadriceps weakness, and soft-tissue tightness. In most cases, the etiology is multifactorial. A careful history and targeted physical examination will confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment. A physical therapy program that employs quadriceps strengthening, manual stretching of the lateral patellar soft-tissue structures, patellar taping, and biofeedback is successful in the majority of cases. Surgery may be required for the few patients who do not respond to nonoperative management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)977-1003
Number of pages27
JournalPrimary Care - Clinics in Office Practice
Volume31
Issue number4 SPEC.ISS.
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology (medical)

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