In Vivo Noninvasive Evaluation of Abnormal Patellar Tracking During Squatting in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain

Abstract

Kinematic differences between healthy subjects and subjects with patellofemoral pain were demonstrated through a large, dynamic range of knee flexion angles. Increased lateral patellar translation and lateral patellar spin in subjects with patellofemoral pain suggest that the patella is not adequately balanced during functional activities in this group. Prospective studies are needed to identify when patellofemoral pain-related changes begin to occur and to determine the risk for the development of patellofemoral pain in individuals with abnormal kinematics.