Ultrasound Examination of the VMO in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Vastus Medialis, Ultrasonographic, Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Ultrasonography Examination of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus and Vastus Medialis Longus Muscles in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Overview
The aim of this study is to examine in detail the ultrasonographic characteristics of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus medialis longus muscles in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and to compare these findings with those of healthy individuals. It is anticipated that the results obtained will contribute to a better understanding of the muscle-based mechanisms of PFAS and provide a scientific basis for the development of muscle-specific assessment and intervention strategies in physical therapy and rehabilitation practices.
Detailed description
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFAS) is a musculoskeletal problem characterized by pain in the front of the knee joint, commonly seen in young and physically active individuals. The etiology of PFAS is multifactorial and is associated with abnormal loading of the patella within the femoral trochlear groove, alterations in joint biomechanics, and functional deficiencies of the surrounding soft tissues. These mechanical irregularities in the patellofemoral joint can lead to pain, loss of function, and activity limitations over time. The quadriceps femoris muscle group plays a fundamental role in providing dynamic stability to the patella. The vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus medialis longus (VML) muscles within this muscle group are critical for controlling the patella medially and maintaining its proper alignment within the femoral groove. It is known that the oblique fiber structure of the VMO muscle provides medial stabilizing force to the patella, while the VML muscle contributes to force production during knee extension and overall patellar guidance with its longer fibers. In individuals with PFAS, delayed activation patterns, decreased muscle strength, and morphological changes in the vastus medialis muscle have been reported. However, it is observed in the literature that the VMO and VML muscles are treated as a single structure in most studies, and the separate morphological characteristics of these two muscles and their relationship with patellofemoral pain have not been sufficiently investigated. However, the different anatomical, biomechanical, and functional characteristics of these muscles necessitate that their roles in PFAS pathophysiology be evaluated separately. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, reliable, and reproducible imaging method for evaluating the morphological characteristics of muscle tissue and is increasingly used in clinical research. Ultrasonographic evaluation allows for the objective examination of muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, and architectural features, thereby providing important information about structural changes in muscle function. The aim of this study is to examine in detail the ultrasonographic characteristics of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus medialis longus muscles in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and to compare these findings with healthy individuals. It is anticipated that the results will contribute to the understanding of the muscle-based mechanisms of PFAS and provide a scientific basis for the development of muscle-specific assessment and intervention strategies in physical therapy and rehabilitation practices.
Primary outcome measures
- Ultrasonographic Measurement [Time frame: through of the study, average 4 months]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Between the ages of 18 and 65
- Have had localized pain in the front of the knee for at least the past 3 months
- Experience pain during activities that require stair climbing, squatting, prolonged sitting, or knee flexion
- Have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome based on clinical evaluation
- Volunteer to participate in the study and sign the informed consent form
Exclusion criteria
- History of previous surgery on the knee joint
- History of significant trauma to the knee region within the last 6 months
- Diagnosis of meniscus, ligament injuries, knee osteoarthritis, or inflammatory rheumatic disease
- Neurological diseases or systemic diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system
- Presence of other lower extremity pathologies causing pain at a level that could affect measurements
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Hasan Kalyoncu University — Gaziantep
Publications
- Engelina S, Antonios T, Robertson CJ, Killingback A, Adds PJ. Ultrasound investigation of vastus medialis oblique muscle architecture: an in vivo study. Clin Anat. 2014 Oct;27(7):1076-84. doi: 10.1002/ca.22413. Epub 2014 May 5. PMID 24797580
- Castanov V, Hassan SA, Shakeri S, Vienneau M, Zabjek K, Richardson D, McKee NH, Agur AMR. Muscle architecture of vastus medialis obliquus and longus and its functional implications: A three-dimensional investigation. Clin Anat. 2019 May;32(4):515-523. doi: 10.1002/ca.23344. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID 30701597
- Sawy MME, Mikkawy DMEE, El-Sayed SM, Desouky AM. Morphometric analysis of vastus medialis oblique muscle and its influence on anterior knee pain. Anat Cell Biol. 2021 Mar 31;54(1):1-9. doi: 10.5115/acb.20.258. PMID 33262319
- Davut S, Dogramaci Y. Evaluation of the relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the patella chondral lesion occurrence. Jt Dis Relat Surg. 2024 Apr 26;35(2):330-339. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2024.771. Epub 2024 Apr 26. PMID 38727112
- Dong C, Li M, Hao K, Zhao C, Piao K, Lin W, Fan C, Niu Y, Fei W. Dose atrophy of vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis exist in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Feb 10;16(1):128. doi: 10.1186/s13018-021-02251-6. PMID 33568152
- Smith TO, Nichols R, Harle D, Donell ST. Do the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus medialis longus really exist? A systematic review. Clin Anat. 2009 Mar;22(2):183-99. doi: 10.1002/ca.20737. PMID 19090000
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07425340 · 2025/161