Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain is a common presentation in primary care.

It is most commonly seen in those below the age of forty years; however, it can affect people of all ages and activity levels. In adolescents, the onset of pain can coincide with periods of accelerated growth, while in older patients it often co-exists with degenerative joint changes.

The term ‘patellofemoral syndrome’ is usually reserved to describe the younger patient with an anatomically normal (or near-normal) knee.

Objectives of this course

• Be able to define patellofemoral pain syndrome and understand the possible intrinsic and extrinsic factors which may be implicated.
• Be able to diagnose patellofemoral pain based on a patient’s history and examination.
• Have an understanding of the indications for further investigation and be able to order these appropriately.
• Be able to develop and implement an initial treatment plan for patients you diagnose with patellofemoral pain.

Acknowledgements

This content was created by Dr Helen Joyce Fulcher MBChB, DipPaed, PGCertHSc(Sports Med), in June 2016, and updated by Dr Grace Lee, FRNZCGP, MBCHB, BSc, DipTravMed.