Surgery and Exercise Versus Exercise Only for Chronic Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Launched by CANISIUS-WILHELMINA HOSPITAL · Jan 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different approaches to help people with chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), which is pain in the front of the knee that often gets worse during activities like running or jumping. The study compares the effectiveness of a specific surgery called tibial tubercle transfer (TTT) combined with a home exercise program (HEP) versus just the home exercise program alone. By randomly assigning participants to one of these two groups, researchers want to see which option better reduces pain during activities and improves overall knee function.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should have had knee pain related to PFPS for at least a year, experience pain during daily activities, and have certain measurements from imaging tests that show their condition. However, those who have had previous knee surgery, certain injuries, or other specific knee problems will not be included. If you decide to take part, you can expect to either have the surgery along with a guided exercise program or just follow the exercise program on its own. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's important to know that understanding Dutch is necessary for follow-ups.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Characteristic history of PFPS (patellofemoral pain during knee loading physical activity, such as jumping, running, squatting);
• • Symptoms lasting at least 12 months;
• • Tibial tubercle trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance of 15mm or more on CT or MRI;
• • Patellofemoral pain during daily life activities, such as: standing for an extended period, walking, or walking upstairs or downstairs
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous knee surgery;
• • Reported knee ligamentous or meniscal injuries;
• • Disabling general illness;
• • A history of patellar dislocation; however, subjects with patellar subluxation are included in the study;
• • Other knee problems than PFPS diagnosed clinically (such as jumper's knee);
• • Other knee problems than PFPS diagnosed radiographically (such as osteochondritis - dissecans);
• • Patients who cannot undergo surgery;
• • Pregnancy;
• • Patients with inability to complete follow-up or with limited understanding of the Dutch language