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Journal of Case Reports
Stuck in a Cycle of Pain: A Case Report About a Young Female's Persistent Patellofemoral Syndrome
Mona A Al-Rashidi1, Noura M Al-Ghuraiba1, Mohammad Khashaba2
Department of 1Orthopaedics, Kuwait University, Kuwait and 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cairo University, Egypt.
Corresponding Author:
Dr Mona A Al-Rashidi
Email: alrashidimona.98@gmail.com
Received: 28-AUG-2024 Accepted: 25-SEP-2025 Published Online: 05-NOV-2025
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17659/01.2025.0022
Abstract
Background: Patellofemoral syndrome (PFS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain, often linked to patellar malalignment, muscular imbalance, overuse, and poor patellar tracking. While most patients respond well to conservative treatment, a subset continues to experience persistent symptoms. Case Report: A 24-year-old athletic female presented with a 6-month history of bilateral anterolateral knee pain aggravated by squatting, stair climbing, and downhill walking. Examination revealed patellar tendon tenderness, weak vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), tight hamstrings, and patellar maltracking, more pronounced on the right. X-rays were unremarkable. She was diagnosed with PFS and managed with anti-inflammatory medications, targeted physiotherapy to strengthen the VMO, and modifications to her training regimen. At 6 months, she reported improvement; however, persistent bilateral knee pain remained at her 12-month follow-up. Conclusion: This case highlights the role of VMO weakness and patellar maltracking in persistent PFS. Although conservative therapy may offer partial relief, some patients continue to experience chronic symptoms, underscoring the need for individualized rehabilitation and further evaluation of contributing factors.
Keywords : Athlete, Knee, Physiotherapy, Quadriceps, Rehabilitation.
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