Patellofemoral pain in children.

The primary inadequacy in the treatment of patellofemoral pain in children has been the inability to translate distinct problems recognized during physical examination into a specific clinical classification. Using a classification system based on etiology rather than symptoms allows the clinician to proceed with treatment based on a specific diagnosis. The majority of patellofemoral pain in children is caused by trauma and malalignment syndromes (or a combination of both) and can usually be managed successfully with nonoperative methods. Success in a rehabilitation program depends on a precise understanding of the original or underlying cause of the child's patellofemoral pain.