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Surgery for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is characterized by chronic pain in the kneecap (patella). It results from excessive overuse, most often from high-impact sports. Some people undergo surgery to correct the problem, but this is not common. Doctors will try many treatments before resorting to surgery.

  1. Last Resort

    • Surgery for patellofemoral pain syndrome is considered a last resort when conservative treatments have failed, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. They note that 90 percent of people recover with conservative treatment.

    Physical Therapy

    • If you are diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome, doctors typically recommend starting a physical therapy program for anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the severity of your condition. If you continue to experience pain, you might require surgery, according to the University.

    Cartilage Repair

    • One possible surgery for patellofemoral pain syndrome involves repairing chondromalacia--the term for damaged and frayed knee cartilage. The procedure involves smoothing out the cartilage to repair damage. This surgery does not guarantee that chondromalacia will never come back, however, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

    Lateral Release

    • A lateral release procedure helps curb abnormal knee movement by reducing the amount of pull from the lateral retinaculum--tissue connected to the outer part of the knee cap that facilitates side to side movement.

    Considerations for Lateral Release

    • If your doctor determines your condition results from problems with lateral movement, he will probably attempt other treatments before resorting to surgery. They include taping the knee, strengthening the quadricep muscles and wearing arch supports in your shoe, among others.

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