Chondromalacia patella is a softening or wearing away of the articular cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap (patella). Articular cartilage is a smooth substance that covers the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella. These structures form the knee joint. The articular cartilage cushions these three bones and allows them to move freely and easily where they meet in the knee. But, when the articular cartilage softens or wears away, pain and inflammation result.
Chondromalacia patella occurs when:
This can occur due to:
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for chondromalacia patella include:
The main symptom of chondromalacia patella is pain. The pain occurs beneath and on both sides of the kneecap. Other characteristics of the pain:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, as well as your exercise patterns, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Treatments for chondromalacia patella include:
The first line of treatment for chondromalacia patella is to:
Once pain and inflammation have subsided, exercise to strengthen the quadriceps (which control the knee) should begin. Exercise should be non-impact or non- or low- weight bearing, such as:
In most cases, surgery is not needed. But for younger patients who have continued pain, surgery may help. Surgical procedures include the following:
To help prevent chondromalacia patella, do the following:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .
The Merck Manual of Medical Information . Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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