Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome AKA Chondromalacia Patella Flashcards
1
Q
What causes Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
A
- Overuse of the knee
*will be pain/aching in the anterior knee
2
Q
Where are the symptoms usually located?
A
Posterior to the patella
(Patella is attached to the quad and the tibia via the patellar tendon)
3
Q
Where will the tilt/subluxation be?
A
- Laterally due to weakness of the medial quad musculature
4
Q
What happens when flexion increases in a patient with Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
A
There will be increased force on the posterior surface of the patella
5
Q
What will happen if a patient has a patellar tilt?
A
- The force is not evenly distributed across the posterior patella
*can lead to pain and chondromalacia
6
Q
With knee extension what side will be loose or tight?
A
- Tight laterally
- Loose medially
7
Q
With flexion where will the pain be located?
A
- Laterally
8
Q
What causes Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
A
A lateral patellar tilt
9
Q
How will a patient present with Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
A
- Pain at anterior aspect of knee (posterior patella)
- Might complain of lateral knee pain
- Worse with walking (downhill), running, sitting for long periods
10
Q
What are the PE findings
A
- Tender at lateral facet of patella
- Pain with patellofemoral loading
- Decreased ROM (flexion)
- Increase Q angle
11
Q
What will the diagnostic test find?
A
- Radiographs (AP, Lateral, Sunrise)
*patellar tilt - MRI
*chondromalacia - CT
*performed with the knee in increasing degrees of flexion allows for measurement of tilt and contact of patella in Trochlea
12
Q
What is the treatment
A
- Ice/elevate/NSAIDs
- PT (quad strengthening, medially)
- Orthotics, neoprene J-pad knee sleeve)
13
Q
What are the surgical options?
A
- Knee arthroscopy
*chondroplasty, cutting through the lateral retinaculum)
