Relationship between Static Lower Limb Alignment and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common orthopedic knee conditions encountered in athletes and general population and is more prevalent in females than in males. Lower limb malalignment is an important etiological factor for PFPS. Aim of the Study:The purpose of this study was to determine if there was any relationship between static lower extremity alignment and PFPS.Patients and Methods: Forty nine patients (38 females and 11 males) diagnosed as PFPS had participated in this study with age ranged from eighteen to thirty five years. Each patient was assessed for static lower limb alignment measures (pelvic tilting angle, tibial torsion using PALM (PALpation meter); femoral neck anteversion using inclinometer; Q-angle, tibiofemoral angle using plastic standard goniometer and navicular drop using ruler) and patellofemoral pain by kujala scale. Results:The results showed no relationship between lower limb alignment measures and PFPS Pelvic angle (ρ =0.03, p=0.839), Tibial torsion (ρ =0.145, p=0.319), Q-angle (ρ = 0.074, p=0.612), Tibiofemoral angle ( ρ =0.051, p=0.729), FNA (ρ =-0.144, p=0.436), Navicular drop (ρ=0.03, p=0.836). Conclusion:Lower extremity malalignment does not affect pain and function in patients with PFPS.