Introduction: Rehabilitation plays a primordial role in the treatment of the patellofemoral syndrome. We wanted to seek in a sample of population suffering from this problem, the factors favoring the occurrence of this syndrome, the rehabilitation result and the continuation of exercises.
Patients and methods: Prospective descriptive study on the rehabilitated patients in a questionnaire form divided in two parts. The first one seeks the information of the patient's file: demographical, social and professional data, risk factors, clinical assessment and imaging, medical treatment, immediate rehabilitation results. The second part seeks the long-term effect of rehabilitation, the perseverance to exercises and the resumption of professional and sports activities.
Results: 78 patients, feminine prevalence 59%; average age: 32.7 years (between 12 and 60 years). Occurrence favoring factors found: intensive sports 47.4%, profession presenting a risk 14%, traumatism 24.5%, hypermobility 30,7%.
Etiology: patellar instability 18/78, dysplasia 2, chondromalacia 14, femoropatellar osteoarthritis 4, non-marked 40. Previous treatment AINS: 45%, efficient in third of cases ; previous physical therapy 9/78 (50% failure). The evaluated results of short-term rehabilitation according to Ficat criteria, regardless of etiology, were satisfying (good or very good) in 77% of cases. Very good: 20.5 %; good: 56.5%; acceptable: 19.2% and bad 3.8%. At long term on 63 patients with an average recession of 18 months (6 months to 3 years) we had very good results: 22.2 %, good: 55.5%, acceptable 20.6% and bad 1.7%. Average duration of carry on of exercises: 4 months.
Conclusion: The functional rehabilitation has confirmed its efficiency in the treatment of young patients suffering from patellofemoral syndrome. The education, the life hygiene, the preparation to sports as well as carry on of exercises prevent recurrences.