What is Lateral Patellar Compression Syndrome

Lateral patellar compression syndrome is a knee condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. The condition happens when the kneecap (patella) slides too far to the side.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by too much contact between the patella and the thigh bone (femur). It can happen when a band of tissue in your knee is too tight and pulls your patella to the side. This band of tissue is called a lateral retinaculum.

What increases the risk?

The following factors make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Running and jumping on hard surfaces.
• Using improper sports equipment or technique.
• Increasing the number or length of your workouts.
• Having a leg that is not completely straight at the hip or knee.
• Having weak hip and thigh muscles.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is pain in the front of the knee, especially when you bend or straighten your knee. The pain often gets worse when you squat, sit, and climb stairs. Over time, the pain may be consistent. Other symptoms of this condition include:

• Knee swelling.
• Pain when moving or pressing on the patella.
• Locking, catching, or clicking of the knee.
• Difficulty straightening the knee fully.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms.
• Your medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Imaging tests, such as:
  • X-rays.
  • MRI.
  • A CT scan.

During your exam, your health care provider may ask you to squat and bend your knee. He or she may also lift the outside of your patella to see if your pain goes away.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated by:

• Resting your knee and avoiding activities that cause pain.
• Taping your patella.
• Taking an NSAID to reduce pain and swelling.
• Using a shoe insert to improve leg alignment.
• Using an elastic sleeve or wrap to support your knee.
• Doing exercises to strengthen your thigh muscles (physical therapy).

If your condition does not improve with these treatments, you may need surgery to release your lateral retinaculum. After surgery, you may need to wear a knee brace and use crutches to protect your knee and have physical therapy.

Follow these instructions at home:

If You Have a Sleeve or Wrap:

• Wear it as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Loosen it if your toes tingle, become numb, or turn cold and blue.
• Do not let it get wet if it is not waterproof.
• Keep it clean.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, apply ice to your knee.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Move your toes often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• Raise (elevate) your above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Activity

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do exercises as told by your health care provider.

General instructions

• If you have a shoe insert, use it as told by your health care provider.
• Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Tobacco can delay healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Warm up and stretch before being active.
• Cool down and stretch after being active.
• Give your body time to rest between periods of activity.
• Make sure to use equipment that fits you.
• Be safe and responsible while being active to avoid falls.
• Maintain physical fitness, including:
  • Strength.
  • Flexibility.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not get better.
• Your symptoms get worse.