Advanced Non-Operative Interventions for Anterior Knee Pain

This review presents evidence for advanced non-operative interventions, including extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), adipose tissue-derived cells, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, various additional non-corticosteroid injectates, and needle-based interventions for common causes of anterior knee pain in the adult population. These etiologies include osteoarthritis of the knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome, chondromalacia patella, Hoffa fat pad impingement syndrome, patellar/quadriceps tendinopathy, and prepatellar bursitis. This review discusses patient care options using a case-based understanding of interventions by condition while recognizing strength of evidence.

ESWT and PRP are the most robustly studied and have greatest evidence for treating tibiofemoral osteoarthritis and for long-term benefit in treating patellar tendinopathy. PRP may have evidence for treatment of chondromalacia and prolotherapy for management of tibiofemoral arthritis; both have limited evidence. Botulinum neurotoxin type A has strong evidence to support use in treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. There is limited evidence to support the use of viscosupplementation, percutaneous needle tenotomy, and medicinal signaling cell-based therapies beyond platelet-rich plasma for anterior knee pain. There is limited research on the management of quadriceps tendinopathy, prepatellar bursitis, patellofemoral osteoarthritis, and Hoffa's fat pad impingement syndrome. Further research and standardization of protocols are necessary to fully assess these treatments’ efficacy.

ESWT, cell-based, and needle-based interventions, may serve as effective treatment options for patients with anterior knee pain. Selection of each intervention requires understanding the evidence, level of risk, and appropriate application based on a patient’s level of activity to enable clinicians to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.