Patellofemoral malalignment.

Anterior knee pain represents one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints of adolescents. It is a disorder in which there is broad clinical experience and yet it represents a difficult and frustrating entity for the athlete to endure and for the physician to treat. An appropriate clinical examination and selected diagnostic studies can define the diagnosis and the introduction of conservative therapy usually will correct the problem. Occasionally, surgical intervention is required, and debate remains as to the optimal techniques that should be used.