The Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Signs Normalization

The Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common knee complaint seen in adolescent and young adults. Pain in the knee is usually anterior, not well localized, and diffuse. The purpose of this study was to analyze which of the presumed physical examination signs which can be present in an asymptomatic population are a consequence of intrinsic risk factors for this disease. 263 patients were included in the study. Each participant completed a demographic questionnaire and underwent a physical and radiographic evaluation. The X-ray analysis was normal. Patellar subluxation or patellar tilt were both absent. Patellar congruence angles were normal. No tibiofemoral osteoarthritis was present. The prevalence of asymptomatic signs in patients without stretching deficit was: crepitus: 9% (OR 48.3 (5.16 452), p < 0.0001, Passive patellar grind test: 0% (OR infinite), Clarke ́s sign: 20% (OR 7.5 (0.86 to 65), p 0.05). The comparison between asymptotic prevalence of signs with poor elongation and symptomatic: Crepitus: symptomatic: 92.1% (does not become significantly different: OR 1.94 (0.6 6.24), p < 0.3, Passive patellar grind test: 57.9% (that is clearly higher than the percentage of asymptotic patients with stretching deficits: OR 5.5 (2.21 13.63), p < 0.0001, Clarke ́s sign: 92.1% (clear difference from asymptotic with poor elongation: OR 17.5 (6.7 45.68), p < 0.0001. Our findings suggest that we should have a more focused behavior in disease prevention. These recommendations depend entirely on careful clinical evaluation. Undoubtedly, physical examination of the patellofemoral articulation needs to be methodical. The examiner must differentiate normal from abnormal biomechanics. Treatment is predicated on changing the underlying fundamental abnormalities that lead to the patient’s complaints.