Idiopathic anterior knee pain in adolescents.

Anterior knee pain is a common problem and its management can be challenging. A thorough evaluation of the patient's history and examination of the lower extremity and knee extensor mechanism is necessary. Clinically elusive conditions should be considered before ascribing the pain as idiopathic, the most common diagnosis of adolescent anterior knee pain. In the majority of cases, the natural history of idiopathic anterior knee pain is improvement and resolution. Nonoperative therapeutic measures usually provide improved knee function.