Abstract des Autors

There are multiple causes of patellofemoral pain, which can be difficult to differentiate. A careful history and physical examination, along with appropriate radiographic evaluation, will lead to a correct diagnosis in most cases. Most patients respond to a comprehensive nonoperative management program that emphasized stretching and strengthening of the quadriceps mechanism. Arthroscopy should be used judiciously when approaching patellofemoral problems. Although arthroscopy offers little more than plain radiographs or CT scans regarding alignment, it does provide valuable information about the articular cartilage breakdown. Arthroscopy is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of plicae and in ruling out other intra-articular causes of knee pain. Verf.-Referat