Patellofemoral Syndrome Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 09, 2023
  • Author: Noel F So, MD, FAAPMR; Chief Editor: Ryan O Stephenson, DO  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

How is patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) diagnosed?

How is patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) treated?

What is the pathophysiology of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the prevalence of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the morbidity associated with patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What are the racial predilections of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What are the sexual predilections of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What causes patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

DDX

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Patellofemoral Syndrome?

Workup

What is the role of lab tests in the workup of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of joint aspiration in the workup of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of sEMG in the workup of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of arthroscopy in the workup of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Treatment

What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of recreational therapy in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the efficacy of physical therapy for the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of therapeutic injections in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which medications are used in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

How is patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) prevented?

Guidelines

What are the international guidelines on the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which medications in the drug class Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are used in the treatment of Patellofemoral Syndrome?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the treatment of Patellofemoral Syndrome?

Follow-up

When should conservative treatment measures for patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) be assessed?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

Which medications are used to manage pain in patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the role of bracing in the prevention of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What are the possible complications of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is the prognosis of patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?

What is included in patient education about patellofemoral syndrome (PFS)?