patellofemoral syndrome

patellofemoral syndrome A common cause of chronic knee pain, which characteristically results in vague discomfort of the inner knee area that is aggravated by activity. Abbreviated PFS. PFS is caused by an abnormality in the way the kneecap slides over the lower end of the femur. Normally, the quadricep muscle pulls the kneecap over the end of the femur in a straight line. In PFS, the kneecap is pulled toward the outer side of the femur. This offkilter path permits the underside of the kneecap to grate along the femur, leading to chronic inflammation and pain. Treatment involves pain management, and rehabilitation is designed to create a straighter pathway for the patella to follow during quadriceps contraction. Also known as chondromalacia patella.