Patellofemoral pain syndrome: a preliminary model for analysis and interpretation of isokinetic and pain parameters

This paper offers a preliminary model for analysis and interpretation of previously collected isokinetic and pain data based on a group of 55 patients who complained of patellofemoral pain syndrome. All patients underwent detailed physical examination, radiography, bone scanning, and CT. In addition the bilateral concentric and eccentric moments of the quadriceps femoris were assessed using the KinCom system. Following each individual exertion, patients rated the pain provoked according to the Borg pain scale. The clinical findings were non-specific and revealed that a large proportion of the patients had patellar malalignment but no particular pathology common to all could be demonstrated. Isokinetic analysis in combination with the subjective pain rating produced a set of parameters - quadriceps strength deficit, torque curve irregularities, and pain rank-which permitted an alternative approach to the findings. This approach can render the evaluation of certain cases of patellofemoral pain more comprehensive as well as assist in rationalizing the treatment of this heterogenous syndrome.