Published 24 October 2008, doi:10.1136/bmj.a1948
Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a1948

Editorials

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Usually resolves over time, and intervention offers only limited benefit

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is defined as pain behind or around the patella caused by stress in the patellofemoral joint. Symptoms are usually provoked by climbing stairs, squatting, and sitting with flexed knees for long periods of time. It is a common presentation in general practice and can have a big effect on patients’ ability to work.1 Physiotherapy and foot orthoses available without prescription are often used in the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome. In the linked randomised controlled trial (doi:10.1136/bmj.a1735), Collins and colleagues assess the effectiveness of foot orthoses, flat insoles, multimodal physiotherapy (patellofemoral joint mobilisation, patellar taping, quadriceps muscle retraining, and education), or a combination of foot orthoses and physiotherapy in people with this syndrome.2

The rationale for treatment is to correct unbalanced tracking of the patella. Knee braces, knee taping, knee sleeves, and knee straps all aim to alter the patella’s tracking pattern. Some studies have . . . [Full text of this article]

C Niek van Dijk, professor of orthopaedics, Willem M van der Tempel, surgical house officer

1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Academic Medical Centre, 1100 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands

willem_van_der_tempel@hotmail.com


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Relevant Article

Foot orthoses and physiotherapy in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: randomised clinical trial
Natalie Collins, Kay Crossley, Elaine Beller, Ross Darnell, Thomas McPoil, and Bill Vicenzino
BMJ 2008 337: a1735. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Rapid Responses:

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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Important Considerations
Bill Vicenzino, et al.
bmj.com, 31 Oct 2008 [Full text]
Corresponding email address
Willem M. van der Tempel, et al.
bmj.com, 4 Nov 2008 [Full text]
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