The term, Patellofemoral syndrome, describes pain on the inside of the knee, that has any cause. It generally has no changes in the articular cartlage in the back of the knee. Other terms, such as pattellalgia, pattellofemoral compression syndrome, and patellar malalignment syndrome describe the same problem. However patellofemoral syndrome is just, like edema, a discriptive term. If it is used then it should be understood that further Investigation is necessary to define the exact problem.
Patellofemoral pain is most common in young adults who have long-standing anterior knee pain. This pain is usually caused by going up and down stairs or jumping or running and is alleviated with ice and rest. The patient may or may not be active in sports and it may be painfull to sit in a car or movie theater for an extended period of time. Examination of the opposite leg is crucial because it can serve as a referance. Common treatment for pattellofemoral pain rest and limiting motions associated with patellofemoral pressure such as jumping, squatting and climbing. With therapy and strengthening of the quad muscles the patient can improve enough to return to sports and urestricted activities. Some effective techniques include McConnell taping, open- and closed- kinetice-chain exercises and hydrotherapy. Braces to help prevent lateral tracking remain controversial: sudies are needed to prove their efficiency.
Surgery may become ans option only when 4 to 6 months of conservative therapy fails to alleviate the pain.