Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Ultrasound measurements for diagnosis

Abstract Background and aim There is no clinical test with diagnostic consistency for the patellofemoral pain syndrome. Ultrasound allows study of the peripatellar soft tissues and part of the trochlear groove, in particular its hyaline cartilage and its relationship with the patellar tip. Quantitative and qualitative ultrasound criteria have been validated. A literature review to clarify the reliability of diagnostic ultrasound tests for the patellofemoral pain syndrome was therefore proposed. Methods A literature search was carried out relating to ultrasonography and the patellofemoral pain syndrome, and the results analysed for power, bias, and applicability. Results A total of 320 papers were identified (230 in English and 90 in French), and six papers were selected to be of adequate relevance and quality for further review and analysis. Discussion and conclusions Despite the significant prevalence of the patellofemoral pain syndrome, we found only one diagnostic study. This study established three ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria: the cartilaginous trochlear angle, patellar tip to trochlear groove distance, and the presence or absence of dysplasia. Further research on the reliability of ultrasound tests for these criteria is needed.