Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - Diagnosis
How is patellofemoral pain syndrome diagnosed?
The doctor will first take a history from the patient to learn about the location of the pain, when it began, and whether it is injury-related. Knowing the patient's activity level, whether there is instability, and what motions increase pain help the doctor make the diagnosis.
In the physical examination the doctor will:
- usually be able to reproduce the symptoms by pressing on the kneecap, particularly when the knee is bent and then straightened.
- check for tenderness and patellar motion
- assess alignment and flexibility
- evaluate the muscular strength and coordination of the leg
X-rays show the bony structures of the knee, permitting the doctor to rule out:
- arthritic conditions
- loose bodies (bone fragments in the joint)
- patellar mal-alignment
- varus or valgus mal-alignment (bow-legs or knock-knees)
- infection or a bone tumor
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or TEC (Technician 99 Radioisotope) Scan may be recommended if symptoms persist after conservative (non-operative) treatment. Both of these studies can show bone changes such as:
- a bone bruise or stress fracture
- cartilage loss or deterioration
- infection or a tumor
An MRI can also reveal:
- the condition of the ligaments, cartilage, and menisci
- a swollen plica (a normal fold of tissue which can be painful when it becomes inflamed and enlarged).
- Tendonitis or partial tearing with nodule formation in the patellar tendon
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