American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What treatment approach is generally part of managing patellofemoral pain syndrome?

1. Surgical intervention

2. Physical therapy and activity modification

3. Injections

4. Topical analgesics

The correct answer is: Physical therapy and activity modification

Managing patellofemoral pain syndrome primarily involves non-operative treatments aimed at alleviating pain and restoring functional capabilities. Physical therapy plays a critical role as it helps strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance the overall biomechanics of the lower extremity. A physical therapist may design a tailored exercise program that focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles to alleviate stress on the patellofemoral joint. Activity modification is equally important; it encourages patients to reduce activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as excessive running or jumping, while gradually introducing low-impact exercises to promote healing and prevent re-injury. This conservative approach has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms and enabling patients to return to their desired activities. While surgical intervention, injections, and topical analgesics may be considered in specific circumstances, they are not standard components of initial treatment for this condition. Therefore, the combination of physical therapy and activity modification is the cornerstone of managing patellofemoral pain syndrome, making it the most appropriate answer for this question.