Evaluation of Anterior Knee Pain

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.