PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME
PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME The patellofemoral syndrome is a group of conditions in which the hallmark is pain beneath or surrounding the patella (kneecap). The patella is a unique bone in the leg because it does not directly bear weight. Weight is borne from the femur (thigh bone) through the tibia and fibula, which continue down to the ankle where they form the “dome” of the ankle joint. The patella sits in front of the knee joint and is held, as it were, on a bowstring; the patellar tendon attaches it to the front and is held, as it were, on a bowstring; the patellar tendon attaches it to the front of the tibia below and the quadriceps complex, four powerful thigh muscles, attach it to the hip and femur above. As the knee flexes and extends (bends and straightens), the patella tracks along a groove in the front of the femur. Any factor which disrupts this normal “tracking mechanism” can result in inflammation or pain to the undersurface of the patella. When mild, the undersurf