Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Knee Pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common and painful musculoskeletal condition that affects physically active young adults. It presents as diffuse anterior or retropatellar knee pain that is aggravated by activities which repetitively load the patellofemoral joint. The etiology of PFPS appears to be multifactorial which includes biomechanical, muscular and overactivity theories. For most patients, a careful history and physical examination are sufficient to make the diagnosis. Treatment can be initiated without imaging. When symptoms continue despite appropriate management, radiological investigation is indicated to exclude pathologies such as osteochondritis dissecans, patella bipartita, and neoplasms. The initial treatment plan must be nonoperative and should include a comprehensive rehabilitation program with temporary activity modifications. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2009; 55 Suppl 1: 20-5.