Anterior knee pain: a simplified assessment and management algorithm

Anterior knee pain is a common condition that affects adolescent and young adult patients, being one of the most challenging consultations for a knee surgeon. The large number of distinct diagnoses makes it a peculiar syndrome, the only similarities being the presence of retro or peripatellar pain aggravated by at least one activity that loads the joint in flexion. From a pathophysiological perspective, an overuse injury should be considered, where the structural unit of the tissue is damaged or its capacity for reparative response is exceeded. The diagnosis is clinical. Images should be reserved for a particular group of patients. Early intervention is essential to achieve favorable results. Conservative treatment is the gold standard and it is based on multimodal management validated by international consensus. Based on a categorization by clinic and images, we can have a guide to those etiologies that are susceptible to surgical management. The goal of the intervention is to reduce joint stress. The present review defines a simplified algorithm for the study and management of anterior knee pain.