Strange Clicking in Knee

[craigpotter18]

Hi, I was hoping someone could give me some insight on a problem I've had with my knee. I've had a history with injuries in this knee, 1 ACL tear and 2 menicscus tears. I've been rehabbing my knee diligently for the last year (my last surgery).

In the last 2 weeks I've developed this clicking/popping in the area around my quad tendon. It feels like its right where the quad and the knee cap meet (sometimes even under the top of the knee cap). It happens when I stand up and developed after I did my squating excercises (no weight and basically just a sit on a chair and back up).

I'm worried about this. It's not incredibly painful but the clicking and moving worries me greatly. If anyone could offer some insight on what it could be it'd be much appreciated. Thank you.

[Heidi]

Hi
My initial thought is that it may be a problem with the knee cap tracking. This is common after surgery.
Often what happens is that the Medial quad muscles (VMO) are inhibited following the surgery and the lateral quads and ITB can become tight. This results in an imbalance at the knee and a 'tug of war' on the knee cap, resulting in the stronger lateral structures pulling the knee cap too far laterally. This can lead to the clicking and feelings of movement you describe. The symptoms tend to be most prominent on squatting and walking downstairs/hills. If there are any problems with weakness in the hip abductors (e.g. glute medius) or tightness in the groin muscles this can also contribute.
You can read more here:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/patellofemoral_pain_syndrome.php