DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
PT IMPLICATIONS
(click here to see references)
- Hypertrophy and inflammation secondary to impingement between the femoral condyles and tibial plateau.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Tenderness of the inferior patella and inferior pole
- Hyperextended knees
- “Puffy” knees
- Aggravating factors
- Prolonged standing
- Stairs
- Knee Extension
- Extension with overpressure and SLR reproduces pain
- Typically complain of burning or aching anterior knee pain as well as around the patellar tendon near the inferior pole of the patella.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- MRI
- May have positive bounce test
- Tenderness of inferior patella and inferior pole with swollen knees
PT IMPLICATIONS
- Rest and ice
- Anti-inflammatories
- Improve lower extremity mechanics (address causes of hyperextension):
- Orthotics
- Heel lifts
- Unload inflamed tissue of the fat pad:
- Taping
- Bracing
- Muscular training
- Posture education to avoid genu recurvatum
(click here to see references)