Management of a patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome using neuromuscular training in decreasing medial collapse: a case report.

Background And Purpose: Medial collapse has been reported to increase patellofemoral stresses. This case describes the examination and treatment of a patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), displaying medial collapse during functional activities. The purpose of this case is twofold: (1) to describe a clinical movement pattern assessment using a 2-dimensional (2D) assessment; and (2) to describe a clinical neuromuscular training program focused on optimal movement patterns.

Case Description: A 19-year-old female diagnosed with PFPS. Initially, the patient exhibited medial collapse. A treatment approach focused on optimization of functional movement patterns to correct medial collapse through visual input and neuromuscular training was implemented. Interventions focused on correction of faulty movement patterns.

Outcomes: After four sessions over 3 weeks, the patient reported cessation of pain and displayed an improved movement pattern without medial collapse during functional activities. Discussion and evidence-based recommendations: The clinical assessment of medial collapse utilized was novel, and a successful outcome with minimal visits was achieved for a patient with PFPS. Further research to establish the reliability and validity of the 2D evaluation method of medial collapse and optimum alignment training for patients with PFPS is necessary.