Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

The patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is a unique joint of the human being, composed of the patella, often referred to as the kneecap, and the trochlea of the femur, a sulcus or groove where the patella slides during motion. Different structures support the optimal mechanics of the joint maintaining an ideal path and contact pressure of the surrounding tissues. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is often utilised as an umbrella term to describe a source of pain that arises from the patellofemoral joint itself or the adjacent tissues. Patients affected by PFPS complain of anterior knee pain that is typically aggravated by tasks that increase the stress of the patellofemoral joint such as descending stairs, squatting and kneeling to name some. Symptoms can arise as a consequence of a traumatic event (e.g.: a fall or impact against an object), or dictated by overuse, a type of injury mechanisms where a repetitive overload is placed on the PFJ, leading it to exceed its current tolerance.

rehabilitation

A multitude of factors such as the patient’s anatomy, mobility, strength, muscle imbalances, and movement quality can impact the load to which the PFJ is subject during activities of daily living and sports. The first step in the treatment of PFPS is receiving a correct diagnosis provided by one of our highly specialised doctors who will highlight the reasons why this condition is affecting you and how to effectively address it. Together with the rehabilitation team, you will be guided in your recovery process by utilising the most suitable environments for your recovery such as the gym and pool for improving your mobility, the gym to restore your strength and muscle imbalances, movement quality and retraining room to enhance the way in which you move, and on-field rehabilitation to bring you back to sport and enhance your joint capacity to accept load.

Surgical procedures

In some cases, after a traumatic injury or in the presence of some specific anatomical abnormalities (potentially coupled with recurrent kneecap dislocations), some patients can be considered candidates for surgical procedures. The main goal of the surgical procedure is to restore the static and dynamic alignment and balance of the kneecap while sliding in the groove of the femur during motion. Different procedures (such as a lateral release, distal or proximal realignment, etc.) could be implemented during surgery and are always discussed in detail with the patients and the medical-surgical team. It is important to stress that, despite restoring the optimal tracking of the kneecap through surgery, a period of rehabilitation is strongly recommended to ensure optimal long-term outcomes and prevent any relapse and symptoms. Specific post-surgical indications will be provided by the surgical team in regard to immobilisation, use of crutches, bracing, etc., and our medical team will always work with the surgeon to optimise your outcomes.