What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is one of a group of terms used to describe the pain and discomfort caused by abnormal tracking of the kneecap.
The patella is an example of a sesamoid bone. This is a bone designed to protect tendons as they move over a joint, in this case the knee. The patella slides up and down in a groove at the bottom of the femur called the trochlea and in normal movement, the patella glides centered within the groove.
Abnormal movement of the patella can be caused by a number of factors. There are structural variations that can increase the risk. Some people have congenitally shallow trochlear grooves, providing less resistance to lateral movements of the patella. Patella Alta is a condition where the kneecap sits higher than usual, often above the walls of the groove and as a result the patella does not benefit from the control the walls provide.
In other cases it is more a matter of balance. The quadriceps muscle pulls on the patella as it straightens the knee. When the outside part of the muscle is stronger than the inside component the resultant pull is angled laterally. Excessive lateral movement of the patella is the major characteristic of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.
Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome consists of Physical Therapy to address muscle imbalance, taping to help push the patella medially, and the use of a Patella Brace. In the much rarer cases of structural insufficiency, the opinion of an experienced surgeon should be obtained.
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