Is There a Relation Between the Lower Extremity Mechanics and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: It has been theorized that changes in the lower extremity mechanics may lead to develop Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) in the young population. The present study aims to investigate the effects of lower extremity mechanics on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in private university students. Material-Method: Kujala Patellofemoral Score (KPS) of 400 Yeditepe University students ages of 18-30 years was performed. Students having a less or equal point of 85 in KPS (n=30) and healthy groups randomly selected in students with KPS=100 (n=30) were measured in terms of Feiss Line, navicular drop, subtalar angle, tibial torsion, knee valgus angle, Q angle in standing and supine position and hamstring tightness. Results: The prevalence of PFP among students was found to be 10.5% (n = 42). In the PFP group, 16 (%53.3) students and in the control group, 3 (%10) students had 2nd Pes Planus (PP). A statistically significant difference was found between groups in navicular drop, subtalar angle, tibial rotation, Q angle in supine and hamstring tightness (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: The results from this study show that students with PFP have higher severity degrees of pes planus, navicular drop, subtalar angle, tibial torsion, and hamstring tightness than nonpainful students. Therefore, these parameters that are related to lower extremity mechanics may be investigated in PFP examination and be considered while preparing a treatment plan.