Age-Dependent Patellofemoral Pain: Hip and Knee Risk Landing Profiles in Prepubescent and Postpubescent Female Athletes

Abstract

The progression from prepubertal to postpubertal status may have a protective effect on high-risk hip mechanics but no similar adaptations in high-risk knee mechanics during maturation. These data indicate that before puberty, maladaptive hip mechanics may contribute to PFP, while aberrant knee mechanics associated with PFP are sustained throughout the maturational process in young female athletes.