LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1.	Review the anatomy of the anterior knee
2.	Discuss the pathology and pathophysiology of several conditions affecting the anterior knee
3.	Describe the characteristic imaging manifestations for the common sources of anterior knee pain with emphasis on MRI

BACKGROUND:  Anterior knee pain frequently presents to primary care and orthopedic clinics. Medical imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis of many conditions presenting with anterior knee pain. A few of these conditions may constitute a clinical diagnostic challenge as they often share a somewhat similar clinical picture. Anterior knee pain can be secondary to abnormalities related to the osseous structures such as the patella, patellofemoral joint disorders such as chondral damage and patellar maltracking, and conditions affecting the ligaments, plicae, fad pads and bursae.  Knowing the appropriate imaging tests to perform and being able to distinguish the common pathologic entities affecting the anterior knee is crucial to make the accurate diagnosis.

CONCLUSION:  Patients with anterior knee pain often require imaging to elucidate the cause of their symptoms. It is paramount for the radiologists to be familiar with the various pathologic entities that affect the anterior knee in order to make the accurate diagnosis and assist the clinician in formulating the appropriate management strategies.

Imaging in Anterior Knee Pain