Description and outcome of treatment of a new triad of anterolateral knee pain and movement dysfunction

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe a new triad found among anterior knee pain cases and to analyse the outcome of sequential rehabilitation protocol for the traid. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive case series study in which convenient sampling was used. 26 subjects who had the traid of symptom was taken as study samples. All the patients were recreational joggers, 24 were male, and the mean age was 30 years (range 21-41). Four patients were occasional marathon runners. Common symptoms were localised pain and burning sensation on lateral aspect of thigh and anterolateral aspect of knee, stiffness, and difficulty in walking, running, climbing stairs, driving a car, sitting and squatting. The signs included muscle tightness and weakness, palpable Myofascial Trigger Points, fascial adhesions in the posterior fibers of the ITB, tenderness, crepitus and lateral mal-tracking of patella and tenderness and crepitus over lateral femoral condyle. The Outcome measures were Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Cincinnati Knee Rating System, and Kujala PFPS questionnaire. Each patient was treated for an average of 4 weeks with a sequential rehabilitation protocol using trigger point therapy, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilisation, patellar taping and exercises. The results obtained were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: All the patients achieved excellent results with reduction in pain and improvement in functional status. The mean duration of follow up was 12 months (range 6 months to 24 months). DISCUSSION: This case series is presented to increase the awareness levels about this hitherto unreported condition and its treatment. © 2010 International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering.