Clinical Research Directory

Diagnostic Validity Ofclinical Tests for Infrapatellar Fat Pad Impingement Syndrome

The ETICHOFFA study is a clinical research project aiming to improve the diagnosis of Infrapatellar fat pad impingement syndrome, a common source of anterior knee pain. Although MRI remains the gold standard for diagnosis, clinical testing strategies lack validation. This observational study has two main objectives: to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a cluster of standardized clinical provocation tests for IFP impingement compared to MRI findings, and to identify clinical and subjective characteristics associated with IFP involvement confirmed by imaging. This observational study will recruit 50 patients aged 18 to 70 years with anterior knee pain rated at least 3 out of 10 in intensity. Participants will complete a secure online questionnaire documenting symptoms, pain distribution, aggravating and relieving factors, and pain intensity at rest, during activity, and daily life. They will also complete three validated scales: the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). A standardized clinical examination will be performed, including subpatellar skin temperature measurement, knee swelling assessment, passive range of motion testing, and a series of provocation tests targeting Hoffa's fat pad. Tests will be randomized to reduce bias and considered positive if they reproduce the patient's typical pain with an intensity of at least 2/10. Each participant must also undergo a standardized MRI of the knee within two weeks of the clinical assessment, interpreted blindly by an independent musculoskeletal radiologist. All data will be anonymized, stored securely, and analyzed using SPSS software. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests will be evaluated through sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. Functional outcomes related to taping will also be analyzed. The study has received ethical approval and adheres to GDPR standards for data protection. Participation is voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time. The ETICHOFFA study is expected to enhance clinical diagnostic pathways for anterior knee pain associated with Infrapatellar fat pad involvement.

Effects of Training Frequency on Patellofemoral Pain Rehabilitation.

This clinical trial aims to determine the optimal frequency of exercise therapy for improving pain, function, and quality of life in participants with patellofemoral pain. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does exercising twice a week provide the same benefits as exercising three times a week for individuals with patellofemoral pain? What are the optimal dosage, volume, and weekly exercise frequency for treating patellofemoral pain? The investigators will compare two groups of participants: one group of participants receiving exercise therapy twice a week and another group receiving exercise therapy three times a week. Both groups will follow the same exercise protocol targeting the muscles of the hip and knee joints. Participants: 84 volunteers (both male and female) with patellofemoral pain Physically active individuals aged between 18 and 40 years Interventions: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups Both groups will perform the same exercises for hip and knee muscle strengthening Group A will exercise three times per week Group B will exercise two times per week The intervention will last for six consecutive weeks Assessments: Participants will be evaluated at the following time points: Before the intervention After the 4th and 6th week of intervention 6 months and 1 year after the end of the intervention The primary Outcome Measure will be pain intensity. Secondary Outcome Measure: Anterior knee pain during daily activities Kinesiophobia Pain-related self-efficacy Chronic pain-related self-efficacy Catastrophizing Muscle strength 3D Movement analysis Data Analysis: The investigators will use an intention-to-treat analysis, which means that all participants will be included in the study, regardless of whether they completed the treatment as planned. Appropriate statistical tests will be used to compare differences within and between the two groups, considering the time points and group factors. A 5% significance level will be adopted, which means there is a 5% chance that the results are due to random variation rather than the treatment effect.

Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Reseonance Imaging(MRI) in the Assessment of Anterior Knee Pain

Anterior knee pain , often known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a prevalent orthopedic ailment. It usually happens while you're bending your knees. It can affect people of all ages, although it is most common among teenagers, young adults, and athletes . The actual etiology of anterior knee pain might be complicated, encompassing a variety of conditions; it causes disability, discomfort and a negative impact on the quality of life . A number of diagnostic techniques, including plain radiography, computed tomography, MRI, arthroscopy and ultrasound are used to identify the pathologies causing anterior knee pain. Arthroscopy, though accurate, is invasive and can cause complications. Palin radiographs and computed tomography expose patients to radiations