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Review
. 2017 Oct 9:8:189-203.
doi: 10.2147/OAJSM.S127359. eCollection 2017.

Patellofemoral pain in athletes: clinical perspectives

Farzin Halabchi  1   2 , Maryam Abolhasani  1   2 , Maryam Mirshahi  1   2 , Zahra Alizadeh  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Patellofemoral pain in athletes: clinical perspectives

Farzin Halabchi et al. Open Access J Sports Med. .

Abstract

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a very common problem in athletes who participate in jumping, cutting and pivoting sports. Several risk factors may play a part in the pathogenesis of PFP. Overuse, trauma and intrinsic risk factors are particularly important among athletes. Physical examination has a key role in PFP diagnosis. Furthermore, common risk factors should be investigated, such as hip muscle dysfunction, poor core muscle endurance, muscular tightness, excessive foot pronation and patellar malalignment. Imaging is seldom needed in special cases. Many possible interventions are recommended for PFP management. Due to the multifactorial nature of PFP, the clinical approach should be individualized, and the contribution of different factors should be considered and managed accordingly. In most cases, activity modification and rehabilitation should be tried before any surgical interventions.

Keywords: anterior knee pain; rehabilitation; runners’ knee; sport.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Vastus medialis coordination test.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patellar apprehension test.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Eccentric step test.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Waldron’s test: (A) Phase I and (B) Phase II.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Clarke’s test.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Standard stepdown test.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Single-leg squat.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Practical algorithmic approach to diagnosis and treatment of patellofemoral pain in athletes. Abbreviation: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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