Patellofemoral Syndrome 

  • Author: Patrick J Potter, MD, FRCP(C); Chief Editor: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD   more...
 
Updated: Oct 20, 2011
 

Background

Patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) is characterized by a group of symptoms that are easily diagnosed and often respond to simple management. The common presentation is knee pain in association with positions of the knee that result in increased or misdirected mechanical forces between the kneecap and femur.[1] Ironically, as simple as its presentation is, lack of consensus on the fundamental factors associated with PFS remains. Accordingly, synonyms for the syndrome go in and out of fashion. No agreement exists on the exact pathophysiology, but significant work is being completed on the extent and direction of the associated forces on the patella, as well as on the tracking and alignment of the patella.

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Pathophysiology

While theories regarding the pathophysiology of patellofemoral syndrome vary, identification of the resultant forces involved in dynamic and static knee positions has been fundamental to the research on this syndrome. Factors believed to contribute to production of retropatellar pain include impairments affecting the patellofemoral joint interface. Such impairments may be a consequence of an unbalanced muscle pull, malalignment between the joint surfaces, excessive knee valgus (ie, increased Q-angle) resulting in increased lateral forces, and quadriceps contractures causing production of excessive leverage forces on the patellofemoral joint surface. Excessive use of the joint, either in frequency of loading or excessive loading, also contributes to the symptoms.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

Patellofemoral syndrome is common in the United States, especially among physically active persons.

International

Patellofemoral syndrome has an estimated prevalence rate of 20% in student populations.

Mortality/Morbidity

Morbidity associated with patellofemoral syndrome is directly proportional to the activity level of the patient. Curtailing physical activities that place unnecessarily stressful demands upon the patellofemoral articulation may be necessary (preferably while substituting other activities into the exercise program).

Race

No racial predilection has been identified for patellofemoral syndrome.

Sex

Patellofemoral syndrome more frequently affects females than males.

Age

Patellofemoral syndrome occurs most frequently in adolescents and young adults.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Patrick J Potter, MD, FRCP(C)  Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St Joseph's Health Care Centre

Patrick J Potter, MD, FRCP(C) is a member of the following medical societies: American Paraplegia Society, Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Canadian Medical Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Ontario Medical Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Keith Aj Sequeira  MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Director of Education, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parkwood Hospistal, University of Western Ontario

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Robert E Windsor, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM, FAAPM  President and Director, Georgia Pain Physicians, PC; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine

Robert E Windsor, MD, FAAPMR, FAAEM, FAAPM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Association, International Association for the Study of Pain, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Patrick M Foye, MD  Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD  Physiatrist, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Alegent Health, Immanuel Rehabilitation Center

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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