Evaluation of Anterior Knee Pain.
- Author:
Hee Soo KYUNG
1
;
Byung Woo LEE
;
Won Ju JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea. hskyung@knu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Anterior knee pain;
Patellar pain;
Patellofemoral exam
- MeSH:
Biomechanics;
Cartilage;
Humans;
Knee;
Lower Extremity;
Muscle Tonus;
Patellofemoral Joint
- From:Journal of the Korean Knee Society
2009;21(3):127-141
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Anterior knee pain is an enigmatic entity with multiple causes, and so the patients, who present with diverse symptoms, require different treatments. A combination of variables, including abnormal lower limb biomechanics, soft-tissue tightness, muscle weakness and excessive exercise, may result in increased cartilage and subchondral bone stress, patellofemoral pain and subtle or more overt patellar maltracking. Because of the multiple forces affecting the patellofemoral joint, the clinical evaluation and treatment of this disorder is quite a challenge. Our extensive search of the literature revealed no single gold-standard test/maneuver to diagnose this disorder, and the reliability of the maneuvers described was generally low or untested. Making a specific and accurate diagnosis of the etiology, based on a thorough physical exam and imaging studies, is essential to create an effective therapeutic approach for the patient's successful return to proper knee function.
