Pathology
- Pain in the anterior knee usually due to maltracking of the patella in the trochlear groove of the femur
- Contributing factors
- Overweight
- Generalised ligamentous laxity
- Increased Q angle
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- Female
- Femoral anteversion
- External tibial torsion
- Genu valgum
- Shallow trochlear groove
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- Lower limb biomechanics (increased pronation)
- Glutes, quads weakness
- Hamstring, calf tightness
Symptoms
- Anterior knee pain behind or around the patella
- Often worse on exercises where the quadriceps mechanism is loaded (eg squats, getting up from chair, stairs)
Management
- Address modifiable risk factors (Physiotherapy)
- Quadriceps / vastus medialis obliquus and gluteal strengthening
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- Improve Quadriceps / ITB / Hamstring Length
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- Weight Loss
- Taping / Bracing
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- Can help to pull the patella medially
- May provide more proprioceptive feedback than mechanical support
- Foot mechanics (Podiatry)
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- Podiatry review
- Appropriate Footwear
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