Management of patellofemoral problems in adolescents

Patellofemoral problems are frequently encountered in adolescents. A wide range of problems in changing severity may be seen. They may affect daily activities and even block athletic activities. The two most common forms of these problems are patellofemoral instability and pain syndrome without instability. Not isolated but interchanging nature of problems, immature skeleton, and relatively high activity demand increase the complexity. All kinds of treatment modalities including surgery deserve meticulous clinical evaluation. Imaging modalities have an important role in decision making, but sometimes they may be misleading by overvaluing some incidental minor abnormalities. Whatever the modality chosen, these problems may have long-lasting effects jeopardizing working and/or athletic activities in adulthood. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012