Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

This review is a pragmatic attempt to highlight recent research and some backround reading in PFPS. It should not be considered exhaustive, simply a way of reviewing some of the major developments and current thinking in the area.

Click here to see all the TRIP Evidence Reviews.

Evidence-Based Reports

• Physical therapy is probably effective for patellofemoral pain. POEMs, 2003

Clinical Guidelines

• Nontraumatic knee pain. American College of Radiology, 2005
• Knee pain or swelling: acute or chronic. University of Michigan Health System, 2005

Systematic Reviews

• A systematic review of the effects of therapeutic taping on patellofemoral pain syndrome. DARE, 2005
• Orthotic devices for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2002
• Pharmacotherapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2004
• Exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2003
• Therapeutic ultrasound for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2001

Recent articles in core journals

• Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. American Family Physician, 2007
• First-time Traumatic Patellar Dislocation: A Systematic Review. Clin Orthop Relat Res, 2007

eTextbooks

• eMedicine Patellofemoral Joint Syndromes (Sports Medicine)
• eMedicine Patellofemoral Syndrome (Rehabilitation)
• eMedicine. Patellofemoral Joint Syndromes

Patient Information

• Family Doctor