Knee Pain, Anterior/Patellofemoral Malalignment Syndrome
Basics
Description
- Condition characterized by discomfort at the anterior aspect of the knee that is generally associated with activities, especially those that involve running, jumping, and climbing stairs
- Has also been called “miserable malalignment syndrome”
Pathophysiology
- Predisposing factors for patellofemoral malalignment syndrome include the following:
- Femoral anteversion
- Genu valgus
- Pes planus
- These three anatomic features have been commonly referred to as a terrible triad contributing to anterior knee pain. Because the entire kinetic chain is linked in function, malalignment at one area can lead to secondary stresses at a distant location.
- Excess femoral anteversion, as well as marked pes planus, can contribute to increased lateral pull on the patella and subsequent patellofemoral pain.
- Further contributing factors include a wider pelvis and a more laterally positioned tibial tubercle, both of which also contribute to altered biomechanics at the knee.
- Weak hip abductors and quadriceps muscles and tight hamstrings, iliotibial band, Achilles tendon, and quadriceps can lead to increased forces across the patellofemoral joint.
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Citation
Cabana, Michael D., editor. "Knee Pain, Anterior/Patellofemoral Malalignment Syndrome." Select 5-Minute Pediatrics Topics, 7th ed., Wolters Kluwer Health, 2015. 5-Minute Clinical Consult, www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/Select-5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/14214/all/Knee_Pain__Anterior_Patellofemoral_Malalignment_Syndrome.
Knee Pain, Anterior/Patellofemoral Malalignment Syndrome. In: Cabana MDM, ed. Select 5-Minute Pediatrics Topics. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/Select-5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/14214/all/Knee_Pain__Anterior_Patellofemoral_Malalignment_Syndrome. Accessed June 8, 2023.
Knee Pain, Anterior/Patellofemoral Malalignment Syndrome. (2015). In Cabana, M. D. (Ed.), Select 5-Minute Pediatrics Topics (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/Select-5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/14214/all/Knee_Pain__Anterior_Patellofemoral_Malalignment_Syndrome
Knee Pain, Anterior/Patellofemoral Malalignment Syndrome [Internet]. In: Cabana MDM, editors. Select 5-Minute Pediatrics Topics. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. [cited 2023 June 08]. Available from: https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/Select-5-Minute-Pediatric-Consult/14214/all/Knee_Pain__Anterior_Patellofemoral_Malalignment_Syndrome.
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