The patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a possible cause for anterior knee pain, which predominantly affects young female patients without any structural changes such as increased Q-angle or significant chondral damage. This literature review has shown that PFPS development is probably multifactorial with various functional disorders of the lower extremity. Biomechanical studies described patellar maltracking and dynamic valgus in PFPS patients (functional malalignment). Causes for the dynamic valgus may be decreased strength of the hip abductors or abnormal rear-foot eversion with pes pronatus valgus. PFPS is further associated with vastus medialis/vastus lateralis dysbalance, hamstring tightness or iliotibial tract tightness. The literature provides evidence for a multimodal non-operative therapy concept with short-term use of NSAIDs, short-term use of a medially directed tape and exercise programmes with the inclusion of the lower extremity, and hip and trunk muscles. There is also evidence for the use of patellar braces and foot orthosis. A randomized controlled trial has shown that arthroscopy is not the treatment of choice for treatment of PFPS without any structural changes. Patients with anterior knee pain have to be examined carefully with regard to functional causes for a PFPS. The treatment of PFPS patients is non-operative and should address the functional causes.

Level of evidence: V.