The Copenhagen PF-Center is a center dedicated to the development of patient centered treatment of patellofemoral related problems (PF), i.e., problems related to the kneecap. It is estimated that around 20% of the adolescent population suffer from kneecap related problems.
Centered around the patient, the PF-Center applies a 360-degree approach involving Sociology, Neurology, Radiology, Engineering, Physiotherapy, and Sports Orthopedics in a long-term commitment to improve quality of life for patients with kneecap related problems.
Patients with kneecap related problems can roughly be divided into two partly overlapping groups: patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and patients with patellofemoral instability (PFI).
PFPS is one of the most common forms of knee pain, with a prevalence cited between 15% to 45%. It is non-traumatic in nature, with diffuse anterior knee pain on activities that load the joint such as squatting, running, climbing, and descending stairs. PFPS affects the general population, and more specifically adolescents and young active adults.
Patellofemoral instability is a condition where the kneecap partly or fully leaves the center and dislocates to the side of the knee. It is extremely painful and often requires hospitalization. It is a major problem for the patient causing reduced life quality and disability in daily activities and sports in children and young adults. PFI has shown to be more frequent and have a larger impact on life quality compared to rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.