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Patella and Femoral Injuries
Geisinger Sports Medicine - Get Back in the Game
Mechanism of Injury
The patella, or kneecap, rests in a groove at the lower end of the femur bone. Patello femoral pain syndrome, or PFPS, refers to a blanket condition that includes a variety of injuries characterized by pain behind the kneecaps. Caused by a disturbance of the undersurface of the kneecap, patella and femoral Injuries are commonly seen in athletes who over train, have weakened quadriceps, force the kneecap into abnormal movement, or have had hip, knee, or ankle surgery.
This type of injury may also result from a misalignment of thighbones and muscle tendons, and resulting imbalance of forces. Types of patella and femoral injuries include chondromalacia patellae (“Runner’s Knee”), patellar tendonitis and iliotibial band friction syndrome. Patella and femoral injuries often plague participants in sports that involve downhill motions and jumping motions. Tendon tears, cartilage tears or loss, and ligament sprains are all related knee injuries that may accompany patella/femoral conditions.
Athletes with patello femoral injury may experience:
- Pain behind the kneecap
- Pain while squatting, kneeling, or resting for long periods of time
- Pain while climbing or descending stairs
- Swelling
- Internal bleeding
- Gradual increase of pain over time
Diagnosis & Testing
Patella/femoral problems are usually diagnosed using physical evaluation and symptom deduction. X-ray imaging can help conclude the problem, and an MRI test may be helpful for discovering and evaluating soft tissue damage.
Treatment
Patella/femoral problems may be solved with successful realignment. Sports medicine physicians may use orthotic devices for the foot to encourage and restore alignment of the patella. A knee brace and/or may be recommended during certain activities.
Treatment options may include:
- Arthroscopic or open surgery
- Patellar stabilizing braces
- Physical therapy
Surgical Management
Surgery may be recommended in cases of Patella and Femoral Injuries for patients who plan to participate in rigorous activities where the incidence of reoccurrence may be high, but it is generally used as a last resort solution. The goal of surgery is to realign the skeletal and muscular components of the patellofemoral joint. Surgery may be performed using the arthroscopic method (using a small camera inserted in an incision) or open method.
Rehabilitation
The goal of patella/femoral therapy is to be able to perform functional activities while recognizing maximum joint-loading threshold. During rehabilitation therapy, patients may be required to perform a series of strategic stretches designed to relax the overly worked leg muscles, and improve hip rotation. Working the quadricep tendon often helps with knee realignment due to its position directly above the kneecap. Ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation treatment may also be beneficial.
At Geisinger Sports Medicine, we help athletes with patella and femoral injuries recover with the best techniques modern medicine has to offer. If you or your child sustains a patella or femoral injury, contact us today for an appointment at our state-of-the-art facility.
Geisinger Sports Medicine Facility
1-866-414-4988
Orthopaedic Services-Woodbine Lane
Corner of Woodbine Lane & Route 11
Danville, PA 17822 MC 52-12
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
1-800-921-1467
1000 East Mountain Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Geisinger Medical Center
1-800-275-6401
100 N. Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822