Ultrasound Examination of the VMO in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

NCT07425340 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2025/161
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Vastus Medialis; Ultrasonographic; Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome

Keywords

Patellofemoral Pain; Vastus Medialis Obliqus; Ultrasonographic measurement

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Ultrasonographic Measurement

  A B-mode ultrasound device with a high-frequency (7-12 MHz) linear probe will be used to evaluate muscle architecture. Ultrasound is a reliable, reproducible, and non-invasive imaging method for assessing the morphological characteristics of muscle tissue. Ultrasonographic evaluations will be performed by an experienced researcher in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, in a quiet and standard environment. A high-frequency (7-12 MHz) linear probe will be used during measurements. Participants will be placed on the evaluation table in a supine position, with the knee joint fully extended and relaxed. Before measurements, anatomical reference points will be determined using a tape measure, and temporary markings will be made on the skin. Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO): VMO muscle thickness measurement will be performed in the region where the oblique orientation of the muscle fibers is prominent, using the upper-medial edge of the patella as a reference. The measurement point will be determ

  through of the study, average 4 months

Study Arms (2)

Study Group

The study will include individuals aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as healthy volunteers with similar characteristics in terms of age and gender.

Control group

The study will include individuals aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as healthy volunteers with similar characteristics in terms of age and gender.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study will include individuals aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as healthy volunteers with similar characteristics in terms of age and gender. The study group will consist of individuals who have applied to a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic or who have been referred to relevant units. The control group will be selected from healthy volunteers who do not have any knee pain or lower extremity musculoskeletal problems.

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasan Kalyoncu University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hasan Kalyoncu University

Gaziantep, Şahinbey, (505) 090-5846, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (6)

• 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 RESULT

• 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 RESULT

• 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 RESULT

• 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 RESULT

• 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 RESULT

• 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 RESULT

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Study Officials

• Tuğba GÖNEN, Asisst. Prof. Dr.

  Hasan Kalyoncu University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Tuğba GÖNEN, Asisst. Prof. Dr.

CONTACT

505 090 58 46; tugba.badat@hku.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asisst. Prof. Dr.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 13, 2026
• First Posted: February 20, 2026
• Study Start: February 25, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 25, 2026
• Study Completion: June 25, 2026
• Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)