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Update of Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management of Patellofemoral Pain

  • Non-Operative Management of Anterior Knee Pain (M Fredericson and T Besier, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Patellofemoral pain is the most common cause of anterior knee pain. The purpose of this review is to examine the latest research on risk factors, physical examination, and treatment of patellofemoral pain to improve accuracy of diagnosis and increase use of efficacious treatment modalities.

Recent Findings

The latest research suggests patellofemoral pain pathophysiology is a combination of biomechanical, behavioral, and psychological factors. Research into targeted exercise therapy and other conservative therapy modalities have shown efficacy especially when used in combination. New techniques such as blood flow restriction therapy, gait retraining, and acupuncture show promise but require further well-designed studies.

Summary

Patellofemoral pain is most commonly attributed to altered stress to the patellofemoral joint from intrinsic knee factors, alterations in the kinetic chain, or errors in training. Diagnosis can be made with a thorough assessment of clinical history and risk factors, and a comprehensive physical examination. The ideal treatment is a combination of conservative treatment modalities ideally individualized to the risk factors identified in each patient. Ongoing research should continue to identify biomechanical risk factors and new treatments as well as look for more efficient ways to identify patients who are amenable to treatments.

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  1. Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Daniel Sisk & Michael Fredericson

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Sisk, D., Fredericson, M. Update of Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Management of Patellofemoral Pain. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 534–541 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09593-z

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