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Patella Femoral Syndrome
Symptoms & Pathologies

 

Patella Sup View



Patellofemoral Syndrome involves dysfunction of the patellofemoral joint consisting of the patella (knee cap) and how it articulates with the end of the femur (upper leg).  During normal mechanics the patella tracks in a specific groove controlled medially and laterally by quadriceps muscles (VMO and Vastus Lateralis) and the IT Band, as well as intrinsic ligaments inside the knee joint. 

Dysfunction in this joint is often due to improper tracking of the patella caused by various factors such as biomechanical misalignment of the lower extremities, muscle imbalances, or improper gait mechanics. Symptoms vary but may include increased knee pain with repetitive bending of the knee during weight bearing activities such as running, climbing, squatting oPatella MRIr prolonged sitting.

Possible Treatments:

  1. Orthotics: improve biomechanical alignment of the lower extremities and allow for improved gait mechanics.
  2. Strengthening: quadriceps muscle strengthening, specifically emphasizing the VMO for proper patellar tracking.
  3. Stretching and Soft Tissue Massage: due to inflexibility at the quadriceps, hamstrings, iliotibial band, calf, and lateral retinaculum.
  4. Ice and other modalities: to reduce pain and inflammation at the knee joint.Q angle

 

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Author:
Matt Sato, PT, DPT

References:

Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006.

www.medicinenet.com/patellofemoral_syndrome/article.htm

www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/307850-overview

 

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