Patellofemoral Syndrome - Kneecap Problems

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Patellofemoral Syndrome is pain in the knee that occurs from poorly aligned knee structures, trauma, or overuse.  It is also called runner’s knee and Chondromalacia patellae.  Patellofemoral syndrome results when the cartilage behind the kneecap is overstressed or deteriorates.

Patellofemoral Syndrome causes pain and loss of function.  It can be treated with rest, knee bracing, medications, and physical therapy.  In some cases surgery may be necessary to smooth damaged cartilage or realign the kneecap.

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Introduction

Patellofemoral Syndrome is pain in the knee that occurs from poorly aligned knee structures, trauma, or overuse.  It is also called runner’s knee and Chondromalacia patellae.  Patellofemoral syndrome results when the cartilage behind the kneecap is overstressed or deteriorates.

Patellofemoral Syndrome causes pain and loss of function.  It can be treated with rest, knee bracing, medications, and physical therapy.  In some cases surgery may be necessary to smooth damaged cartilage or realign the kneecap.

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Anatomy

The knee is one of the more complex joints in your body.  Three bones compose your knee.  The femur, your thighbone, is positioned on top of the tibia, your larger leg bone.  The patella, your kneecap, glides in a groove on the end of the femur.  Four main ligaments connect the knee bones together.  Large muscle groups in the thigh provide strength, stability, and motion. 
 
Cartilage located on the end of the bones and underneath the kneecap allows your bones to glide easily during movement.  The synovial membrane that covers the inside of your joint capsule secretes a fluid (synovial fluid) to lubricate the knee joint and nourish the cartilage.  The cartilage and synovial fluid act as a shock absorber when you walk or run. 
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Causes

Patellofemoral Syndrome occurs when the cartilage underneath the kneecap softens and degenerates.  This may occur because of overuse, abnormally aligned knee structures, or trauma.  Sports, such as skiing, cycling, running, and soccer are associated with Patellofemoral syndrome.  Arthritic changes in the kneecap can occur from chronic Patellofemoral syndrome.
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Symptoms

Patellofemoral syndrome can cause dull knee pain, swelling, and tenderness.  Your pain may increase after you have been seated for a long period of time or during certain activities, such as using stairs, kneeling, squatting, or getting out of a chair.  You may notice that your knee grinds when you straighten it.

 
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Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose Patellofemoral Syndrome by reviewing your medical history and examining your knee and entire leg.  X-rays will be taken to check knee alignment and to evaluate for arthritic changes.  In some cases, additional imaging tests may be ordered.  CAT scans and MRIs are often uses to evaluate the tracking of the patella and to better see the cartilage surfaces.

 
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Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain while restoring motion and function of the knee.  This may be achieved in several ways.  You should rest and avoid strenuous activities until your pain resolves.  A knee brace or custom-made shoe inserts can provide support during activities.  Your doctor may recommend ice packs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.  You will be referred to physical therapy for strengthening and flexibility exercises.
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Surgery

Surgery may be necessary to correct knee malalignments.  Realignment surgery is used to correct the position of the kneecap.  Arthroscopic surgery can be used to realign the patella in some cases, and to remove damaged cartilage. 
With arthroscopic technology, your surgeon will not need to open your joint.  Arthroscopic surgery uses an arthroscope and narrow surgical instruments that are inserted through small incisions.  An arthroscope contains a lens and lighting system that allow a surgeon to view inside of a joint.  The arthroscope is attached to a miniature camera.  The camera allows the surgeon to view the magnified images on a video screen or take photographs and record videotape.  Arthroscopic surgery is associated with shorter recovery times and less pain and bleeding than open procedures.
 
Sometimes the kneecap malalignment is not treatable arthroscopically, and in such cases there are open surgical techniques that are indicated.  Your doctor will discuss which type of surgery is best for your particular problem.
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Recovery

Recovery from Patellofemoral Syndrome is individualized and depends on many factors, including the cause and the treatment method you receive.  Your doctor will let you know what to expect.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.