Understanding the patho-anatomy of patellofemoral pain: A crucial foundation for comprehensive management

Patellofemoral or anterior knee pain is a common cause of medical evaluation around the globe. It affects one in four individuals and is more frequent in females. It is considered a multifactorial disease in which conservative management must focus on the alterations found in the physical exam and radiologic images. Recurrence is high, as 39-40% of the patients continue with symptoms in one year of follow-up. Surgical management should be considered when symptoms persist after six months of conservative measures and when evident malalignments are identified. This article aims to establish and summarize the possible causes, involve the importance of the physical examination and the radiologic images suggested, as to consider the different treatment options that may be used to treat such a frequent and irregular pathology.