Patellofemoral Dysfunction Syndrome

This condition is covers pain presentations at or around the patella. Major sources of patellofemoral dysfunction are attributed to altered patella tracking in the tibiofemoral joint and arthritic changes under the patellar surface. Bursa above and below the patella can also become inflammed, resulting in knee pain and altered mechanics.

Patellofemoral dysfunction can also evolve after a total knee replacement or prior knee injury, so monitoring patellofemoral mobility and control is often a component of knee rehabilitation

Video explaining of Patellofemoral Dysfunction - Approximately 6 minutes

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Presentation

  • Pain in or under the patella "knee cap"
  • Pain with running and jumping
  • Pain with prolonged sitting or unable to sit due to patella pain (Positive + "movie sign")
  • Pain with stair climbing
  • Patella may be positioned high (patella alta), low (patella baja), or laterally - most typical is lateral and high due to imbalance between medial forces on the knee and tight lateral structures pulling on the patella

 

Interventions

  • medial quad strengthening
  • IT band stretching
  • taping or bracing
  • progressive strengthening for return to squatting and stairs

 

Video of Sample Interventions - Approximately 10 minutes

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