Narrative: Review of Anterior Knee Pain Differential Diagnosis (Other than Patellofemoral Pain)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review presents a framework for constructing a differential diagnosis for chronic anterior knee pain associated with overuse other than patellofemoral pain. Traumatic, systemic, and pediatric injuries will not be covered. Recent Findings: From superficial to deep, the anterior knee can be conceptually organized into four layers: (1) soft tissue, (2) extensor mechanism, (3) intracapsular/extrasynovial, and (4) intra-articular. Summary: From superficial to deep, diagnoses to consider include bursitis, patellar and quadriceps tendinosis, fat pad impingement, and plica syndromes.