[Patellofemoral pain: physiotherapy and surgery]

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain is common and difficult to treat. The consensus is that a non-surgical treatment is the preferred first choice. Watchful waiting is advocated and the value of physiotherapy as such is unclear. Recent research published in the Netherlands shows that supervised and protocolized intensive physiotherapy is more effective for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome than supervised waiting. In selected patients with recurrent patella dislocation or severe pain caused by radiologically proven maltracking, surgical intervention is indicated.