American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which demographic is more commonly affected by patellofemoral syndrome?

1. Men

2. Women

3. Children

4. Elderly

The correct answer is: Women

Patellofemoral syndrome, often characterized by anterior knee pain, is significantly more prevalent in women. This condition is typically attributed to biomechanical differences, such as wider pelvis and differing lower limb alignments, which can influence the way forces are transmitted across the patellofemoral joint during activities. Anatomical and hormonal factors, particularly those that affect ligamentous laxity, also contribute to the higher incidence of this syndrome in women. Furthermore, women are more likely to participate in activities that create stress on the knee joints—like running and jumping—while also being prone to different movement patterns that can exacerbate patellar tracking issues. The other demographics—men, children, and the elderly—do experience knee problems, but patellofemoral syndrome most commonly affects females within the active population, making them particularly susceptible to the condition. Understanding this demographic prevalence can assist healthcare providers in identifying at-risk individuals and tailoring preventive strategies accordingly.