Comparison of the Quadriceps Muscle Thickness and Function between Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Healthy Subjects using Ultrasonography: An Observational Study

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Physiotherapy, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Poursina Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

2 Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

3 Orthopaedic Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

10.22038/abjs.2024.80937.3692

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the thickness and function of the quadriceps muscle in subjects with and without 
patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) by ultrasonography.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with PFPS were included in the study. To measure the thickness of the rectus femoris 
(RF), vastus medialis longus and oblique (VML, VMO), vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus intermedius (VI), the 
ultrasonography was employed in rest and normal contraction modes and also the % rest-thickness normal as 
muscle function. For between-groups comparisons, the independent sample t-test was utilized.
Results: Sixty subjects (30 PFPS and 30 healthy) participated in this study. There were no significant differences 
between two groups with respect to demographic characteristics. No significant differences were observed between 
two groups regarding RF (P=0.07), VMO (P=0.38), VL (P=0.40) and VI (P=0.55) at rest. However, the rest thickness 
of VML (P=0.01) was significant between PFPS and healthy groups. No significant differences were found between 
two groups regarding RF (P=0.14), VML (P=0.68), VMO (P=0.11), VL (P=0.65), and VI (P=0.07) in contraction state. 
However, % rest-thickness normal were significant between groups for VML (P=0.03) and VMO (P=0.02) and were 
not significant for RF (P=0.56), VL (P=0.14) and VI (P=0.08). 
Conclusion: In all parts of the quadriceps, % rest-thickness normal, as an indicator of its function, have been 
decreased in patients with PFPS. In patients with PFPF, ultrasonography should be cautiously used for muscle 
thickness comparisons.
 Level of evidence: II

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 12, Issue 12
December 2024
Pages 859-865

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 14 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 October 2024

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