Diagnosis of anterior knee pain.

A methodical approach to the evaluation of patients with anterior knee pain is extremely helpful. By exploring salient points from the patient's symptoms and history and adding important data from a comprehensive physical examination, the pieces of the puzzle can be fitted together and an accurate diagnosis can be made. This will allow the formulation of a specific plan of rehabilitation that is designed with a knowledge of patellofemoral biomechanics and that will expedite the recovery process and facilitate a return to full function.