Patellofemoral pain syndrome in children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study

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Objectives To assess the prevalence and associated factors of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) in children and adolescents. Method A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years, who presented a history of peripatellar and/or retropatellar pain, attending elementary or high school in urban public schools in Natal, Brazil. The sample size was calculated based on a minimum outcome prevalence of 22%. Results A prevalence of 24.7% of PFPS was found. There was a positive association of PFPS with active students (p < 0.01; PR: 2.5; CI: 1.4–4.5), low functional capacity (p < 0.01; PR: 8.0; CI: 5.0–12.8), and those classified as pubertal (p < 0.03; PR: 1.8; CI: 1.0–3.2). Conclusion There was a considerable prevalence of PFPS in children and adolescents, as well as an association between the level of sexual maturation and adjustable determinants, such as the level of physical activity and low functional capacity in this group.