Patellofemoral Pain

Publication Date: August 31, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Summary of Recommendations

DIAGNOSIS

Clinicians should use reproduction of retropatellar or peripatellar pain during squatting as a diagnostic test for patellofemoral pain (PFP). Clinicians should also use performance of other functional activities that load the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) in a flexed position, such as stair climbing or descent, as diagnostic tests for PFP. (A)
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Clinicians should make the diagnosis of PFP using the following criteria: (1) the presence of retropatellar or peripatellar pain, (2) reproduction of retropatellar or peripatellar pain with squatting, stair climbing, prolonged sitting, or other functional activities loading the PFJ in a flexed position, and (3) exclusion of all other conditions that may cause anterior knee pain, including tibiofemoral pathologies. (B)
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Clinicians may use the patellar tilt test with the presence of hypomobility to support the diagnosis of PFP. (C)
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Overview

Title

Patellofemoral Pain

Authoring Organization

American Physical Therapy Association