An investigation into the association between the severity of patellofemoral pain syndrome and patella mobility

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common knee problem that affects 25% of the general population. PFPS generally affects adolescents, especially females, young adults and sports men and women. PFPS is defined as anterior knee pain arising from dysfunction of the patellofemoral articulation including its connective and contractile tissues. Literature suggests an extensor mechanism dysfunction as the most probable etiology. The majority of literature suggests that PFPS is associated with restricted patella motion, especially medial glide, resulting from a tight lateral retinaculum and/or tight iliotibial band. The beneficial effect of patella mobilization in the management of PFPS, suggested by the results of a number of studies, further suggests that restricted patella motion may be an integral feature of PFPS, as a causative and/or perpetuating factor. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between the severity of PFPS (in terms of the objective and subjective clinical measures) and patella mobility (direction of mobility loss and degree of motion loss).