Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Uncommon Causes of Anterior Knee Pain

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Anterior Knee Pain and Patellar Instability

  • 2792 Accesses

Abstract

Anterior knee pain is a common symptom, which may have a large variety of causes. Although, patellofemoral malalignment (PFM) is a potential cause of anterior knee pain in young patients, not all malalignments are symptomatic. To think of anterior knee pain as somehow being necessarily tied to PFM is an oversimplification that has positively stultified progress toward better diagnosis and treatment of patients with anterior knee pain syndrome. PFM could be the single culprit for the pain, but it is also possible that it bears no relation whatsoever with the patient’s complaint or that it is only partly to blame for the problem.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Alexeeff M, Macnicol MF. Subacute patellar osteomyelitis. Knee. 1995;1:237-239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Axhausen G. Zur Pathogenese der Artritis deformans. Arch Orthop Unfallchir. 1922;20:1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Bollen SR, Arvinte D. Snapping pes syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg. 2008;90-B:334-335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Bruns J, Eggers-Stroeder G, von Torklus D. Synovial hemangioma – a rare benign synovial tumor. Report of four cases. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1994;2:186-189.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Carls J, Kohn D, Maschek H. Benign giant-cell tumor of the patellar ligament. Arthroscopy. 1998;14:94-98.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Choi NH. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis involving the fat pad of the knee. Am J Knee Surg. 2000; 13:117-119.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Chow JCY, Hantes M, Houle JB. Hypertrophy of the synovium in the anteromedial aspect of the knee joint following trauma: an unusual cause of knee pain. Arthroscopy. 2002;18: 735-740.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Cipolla M, Cerullo G, Franco V, et al. The double patella syndrome. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1995;3:21-25.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Delcogliano A, Galli M, Menghi A, et al. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee: report of two cases of fat pad involvement. Arthroscopy. 1998;14:527-531.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Dhillon MS, Rajasekhar C, Nagi ON. Tuberculosis of the patella: report of a case and review of the literature. Knee. 1995;2:53-56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Duri ZAA, Aichroth PM, Dowd G. The fat pad: clinical observations. Am J Knee Surg. 1996;9:55-66.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Ellen MI, Jackson HB, DiBiase SJ. Uncommon causes of anterior knee pain: a case report of infrapatellar contracture syndrome. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1999;78:376-380.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Elliot AJ, Fulkerson JP. Skeletal muscle hemangioma: a cause of unexplained pain about the knee. Arthroscopy. 1989;5:269-273.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Eng JJ, Pierrynowski MR. Evaluation of soft foot orthotics in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Phys Ther. 1993;73:62-70.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Ferguson PC, Griffin AM, Bell RS. Primary patellar tumors. Clin Orthop. 1997;336:199-204.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Georgoulis AD, Soucacos PN, Beris AE, et al. Osteoid osteoma in the differential diagnosis of persistent joint pain. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1995;3:125-128.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Grelsamer R, Weinstein C. Patellar tilt. An MRI study. 10th Congress European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy, Book of Abstracts, April 23–27, 2002, Rome:178.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Hardy Ph, Muller GP, Got C, et al. Glomus tumor of the fat pad. Arthroscopy. 1998;14:325-328.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Huang GS, Lee CH, Chan WP, et al. Localized nodular synovitis of the knee: MRI imaging appearance and clinical correlates in 21 patients. Am J Radiol. 2003;181:539-543.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Insall J. Surgery of the Knee. New York: Churchill Living­stone; 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Johnson LL. Arthroscopic Surgery. Principles and Practice. St Louis: The C.V. Mosby Company; 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Khan KM, Tress BW, Hare WSC, et al. “Treat the patient, not the x-ray”: advances in diagnostic imaging do not replace the need for clinical interpretation [lead editorial]. Clin J Sport Med. 1998;8:1-4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Kim SJ, Choi NH, Lee SC. Tenosynovial giant-cell tumor in the knee joint. Arthroscopy. 1995;11:213-215.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Kim SJ, Jeong JH, Cheon YM, et al. MPP test in the diagnosis of medial patellar plica syndrome. Arthroscopy. 2004;20:1101-1103.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Kim SJ, Kim JY, Lee JW. Pathologic infrapatellar plica: a report of two cases and literature review. Arthroscopy. 2002;18(5):e25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Kim SJ, Shin SJ, Koo TY. Arch type pathologic suprapatellar plica. Arthroscopy. 2001;17:536-538.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Klingman RE, Liaos SM, Hardin KM. The effect of subtalar joint position on patellar glide position in subjects with excessive rearfoot pronation. J Sports Phys Ther. 1997;25: 185-191.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Kurosaka M, Yoshiya S, Yamada M, et al. Lateral synovial plica syndrome. A case report. Am J Sports Med. 1992;20:92-94.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Lorentzon R, Alfredson H, Hildingsson Ch. Treatment of deep cartilage defects of the patella with periosteal transplantation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1998;6: 202-208.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Lundy DW, Aboulafia AJ, Otis JB, et al. Myxoid lipo­sarcoma of the retropatellar fat pad. Am J Orthop. 1997;26: 287-289.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Matsumoto H, Kawakabo M, Otani T, et al. Extensive posttraumatic ossification of the patellar tendon. J Bone Joint Surg. 1999;81-B:34-36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. McAllister DR, Parker RD. Bilateral subluxating popliteus tendons. A case report. Am J Sports Med. 1999;27:376-379.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. McConnell J. Fat pad irritation – a mistaken patellar tendinitis. Sport Health. 1991;9:7-9.

    Google Scholar 

  34. McConnell J. Conservative management of patellofemoral problems. In: Grelsamer RP, MacConnell J, eds. The Patella: A Team Approach. Gaithersburg: Aspen Publishers; 1998: 119-136.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Meister K, Jackson AM. Longitudinal stress fracture of the patella: an autolateral release. A case report. Am J Knee Surg. 1994;7:49-52.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Mori Y, Kubo M, Shimokoube J, et al. Osteochondritis ­dissecans of the patellofemoral groove in athletes: unusual cases of patellofemoral pain. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1994;2:242-244.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Mori Y, Okumo H, Iketani H, et al. Efficacy of lateral retinacular release for painful bipartite patella. Am J Sports Med. 1995;23:13-18.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Muscolo DL, Ayerza MA, Makino A, et al. Tumors about the knee misdiagnosed as athletic injuries. J Bone Joint Surg. 2003;85-A:1209-1214.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Orava S, Taimela S, Kvist M, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of stress fracture of the patella in athletes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1996;4:206-211.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Palumbo RC, Matthews LS, Reuben JM. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the patellar fat pad: a report of two cases. Arthroscopy. 1994;10:400-403.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Pinar H, Bozkurt M, Baktiroglu L, et al. Intra-articular hemangioma of the knee with meniscal and bony attachment. Arthroscopy. 1997;13:507-510.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Pinar H, Özkan M, Akseki D, et al. Traumatic prepatellar neuroma: an unusual cause of anterior knee pain. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1996;4:154-156.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Sachs RA, Daniel DM, Stone ML, et al. Patellofemoral problems after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1989;17:760-765.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Safran MR, Fu FH. Uncommon causes of knee pain in the athlete. Orthop Clin North Am. 1995;26:547-559.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Sanchis-Alfonso V. Cirugía de la rodilla. Conceptos ­actuales y controversias. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana; 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Sanchis-Alfonso V, Fernandez CI, Sanchez C, et al. Hemangioma intramuscular (Aportación de 6 casos y revisión de la literatura). Rev Esp de Cir Ost. 1990;25:367-378.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Sanchis-Alfonso V, Roselló-Sastre E, Martinez-SanJuan V, et al. Occult localized osteonecrosis of the patella. Case report. Am J Knee Surg. 1997;10:166-170.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Sanchis-Alfonso V, Tintó-Pedrerol M. Femoral interferente screw divergente after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction provoking severe anterior knee pain. Arthroscopy. 2004;20:528-531.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Schmitz MC, Schaefer B, Bruns J. A ganglion of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus invading the infrapatellar fat pad. Case report. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 1996;4:97-99.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Shelbourne KD, Trumper RV. Preventing anterior knee pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1997;25:41-47.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Strobel MJ, Castillo RJ, Weiler A. Reflex extension loss after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction due to femoral “High Noon” graft placement. Arthroscopy. 2001;17:­408-411.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Tapper EM, Hoover NW. Late results after meniscectomy. J Bone Joint Surg. 1969;51-A:517-526.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Teitz CC, Harrington RM. Patellar stress fracture. Am J Sports Med. 1992;20:761-765.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Tennent TD, Birch NC, Holmes MJ, et al. Knee pain and the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. J R Soc Med. 1998;91:573-575.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Williams AM, Myers PT. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis. A rare cause of locking of the knee. Arthroscopy. 1997;13:515-516.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Yilmaz E, Karakurt L, Ozercan I, et al. A ganglion cyst that developed from the infrapatellar fat pad of the knee. Arthroscopy. 2004;20:e65-e68.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Patellofemoral Study Group, International ACL Study Group, Hospital 9 de Octubre, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    Vicente Sanchis-Alfonso

Authors
  1. Vicente Sanchis-Alfonso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Erik Montesinos-Berry
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Francisco Aparisi-Rodriguez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Vicente Belloch-Ugarte
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vicente Sanchis-Alfonso .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Depto. Cirugia Ortopédica, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, c/San Clemente 12, Valencia, 46015, Spain

    Vicente Sanchis-Alfonso

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Sanchis-Alfonso, V., Montesinos-Berry, E., Aparisi-Rodriguez, F., Belloch-Ugarte, V. (2011). Uncommon Causes of Anterior Knee Pain. In: Sanchis-Alfonso, V. (eds) Anterior Knee Pain and Patellar Instability. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-507-1_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-507-1_10

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-506-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-507-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation