Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of quadriceps tightness in patients with patellar symptoms.
Material and methods: We evaluated 64 patients (12 men and 52 women) diagnosed of patellar malalignment, chondromalacia, patellar pain, patellar subluxation... in 100 knees. We defined 2 groups according the presence or not of imaging disorders: Group A (48 knees) with normal x-ray and CT-scan; group B (52 knees) with malalignment in x-ray or CT-scan. In both groups we evaluated quadriceps tightness by placing the patient prone and passively bringing the heels toward buttock. Average distance between heels/buttock (HBD) was 9.1 cm. in both groups before treatment and none presented HBD = 0 cm. Treatment consisted in passive quadriceps stretches after warm-up.
Results: After 11 rehabilitation sessions (range: 9–12), average HBD was 2.5 cm. in group A and 3.6 cm. in group B. HBD = 0 cm. was present in 32/48 knees in group A and 12/52 knees in group B. With a follow-up of 36–48 months, patients with HBD = 0 and values of HBD similar to values after treatment were present in both groups. After follow-up, pain was reported in 4/36 patients in group A and 20/28 in group B.
Conclusions: Quadriceps tightness is always present in patients with patellar symptoms and it is a valuable and reproducible sign. Passive quadriceps stretches are highly effective in patients with normal imaging tests and can be useful before surgery in patients with patellar malalignment
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
