‘Connecting the Dots’ – Anatomical Assessment in Managing Anterior Knee Pain Syndrome: A Case Report

A BSTRACT Medical teaching often emphasizes focusing on symptoms and signs not only to the presenting region but also in the proximal and distal connected structures to provide holistic treatment. A case of chronic anterior knee pain, the only presenting symptom, where clinical and biomechanical evaluation showed remote issues of hip and foot, has been described. A 6-week individualized rehabilitation program centered around strengthening the foot’s intrinsic muscles to correct overpronation and strengthening of hip abductors and hip external rotator muscles resulted in symptomatic improvement in this patient with chronic anterior knee pain. Thus, identification and management of issues in the proximal and distal structures aided in the comprehensive management of the presenting problem. The aim is to reiterate to the medical students and practitioners about the classical teaching to focus on the joint complex above and below during evaluation so that comprehensive treatment and early return to pain-free activity can be promoted.