Síndrome Patelofemoral
Padecimiento Común de Rodilla
Síndrome Patelofemoral
El síndrome de dolor patelofemoral es un término que se usa para describir el dolor en la parte delantera de la rodilla y alrededor de la rótula o hueso de la rodilla. Algunas veces se le llama “rodilla de corredor” o “rodilla de saltador” porque es común en personas que participan en deportes, especialmente mujeres y adultos jóvenes, pero el síndrome de dolor patelofemoral puede ocurrir también en personas que no son atletas. El dolor y la rigidez que provoca puede hacer difícil subir escaleras, arrodillarse y realizar otras actividades cotidianas.
– Uso excesivo
En muchos casos, el síndrome de dolor patelofemoral es ocasionado por actividades físicas vigorosas que aplican tensión repetida en la rodilla, tales como trotar, hacer sentadillas y subir escaleras. También puede ser provocado por un cambio repentino en la actividad física.
Otros factores que pueden contribuir al dolor patelofemoral incluyen:
- El uso inadecuado de técnicas de entrenamiento o del equipo deportivo
- Cambios en el calzado o superficie de juego
– Desalineación rotuliana
El síndrome de dolor patelofemoral también puede ser provocado por una alineación anormal de la rótula en el surco troclear. En esta afección, la rótula se expulsa hacia un lado del surco al flexionar la rodilla. Esta anormalidad puede provocar mayor presión entre la parte posterior de la rótula y la tróclea, lo que irrita los tejidos blandos.
The most common symptom of patellofemoral pain syndrome is a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee. This pain—which usually begins gradually and is frequently activity-related—may be present in one or both knees. Other common symptoms include:
- Pain during exercise and activities that repeatedly bend the knee, such as climbing stairs, running, jumping, or squatting.
- Pain after sitting for a long period of time with your knees bent, such as one does in a movie theater or when riding on an airplane.
- Pain related to a change in activity level or intensity, playing surface, or equipment.
- Popping or crackling sounds in your knee when climbing stairs or when standing up after prolonged sitting.
Medical treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome is designed to relieve pain and restore range of motion and strength. In most cases, patellofemoral pain can be treated nonsurgically by the following methods:
- Activity modifications
- RICE method
- NSAID’s
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
Surgical treatment for patellofemoral pain is very rarely needed and is done only for severe cases that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Surgical treatments may include:
Arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.
- In some cases, removing damaged articular cartilage from the surface of the patella can provide pain relief.
- Lateral release. If the lateral retinaculum tendon is tight enough to pull the patella out of the trochlear groove, a lateral release procedure can loosen the tissue and correct the patellar malalignment.
Tibial Tubercle Transfer. In some cases, it may be necessary to realign the kneecap by moving the patellar tendon along with a portion of the tibial tubercle—the bony prominence on the tibia (shinbone).
A traditional open surgical incision is required for this procedure. The doctor partially or totally detaches the tibial tubercle so that the bone and the tendon can be moved toward the inner side of the knee. The piece of bone is then reattached to the tibia using screws. In most cases, this transfer allows for better tracking of the kneecap in the trochlear groove.