PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME
Patellofemoral syndrome (formerly known as chondromalacia
patellae) is a dysfunction of the mechanics of the patella (knee cap).
The patella normally rides in a groove in the femur known as the
trochlea. The quadriceps muscle in the front of the thigh and the
hamstring muscle in the back of the thigh control the motion of the
patella. When the muscles become imbalanced, the patella does not ride
normally in the trochlea, causing pain and sometimes a feeling of
instability around the patella.
Where is the pain?
Patellofemoral pain is typically most pronounced in the
front of the knee or behind the patella, although pain in the back of
the knee and in the muscles around the knee is also frequently seen.
The pain tends to be worse with running, going up and down stairs, and
when the knee muscles are tight.
How is it treated?
Physical therapy is aimed at rebalancing the muscles that
control the patella by stretching the quadriceps and hamstring muscles
and strengthening the specific muscles around the knee that centralize
the patella. Braces and anti-inflammatory medications may also be
beneficial. If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery is
rarely necessary to realign the patella.
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