Chondromalacia Patellae
Softening of the knee cartilage.
Chondromalacia Patellae (also known as CMP, Patello-femoral Pain
Syndrome, or Runner's Knee) is a degenerative condition of the cartilage
surface of the back of the knee cap, or patella. It produces discomfort or
dull pain around or behind the patella. It is common in young adults,
especially soccer players, cyclists, rowers, tennis players, ballet dancers
and runners. Snowboarders are particularly prone to this injury, especially
those specializing in jumps where the knees are under great stress. The
condition may result from acute injury to the patella or from chronic
friction between the patella and the groove in the femur through which it
passes during motion of the knee. CMP specifically refers to a knee that has
been structurally damaged, while the more generic term Patello-femoral Pain
Syndrome refers to the earlier stages of the condition, where symptoms might
still be fully reversible.
Symptoms of Chondromalacia
Patellae
Knee tenderness
Knee pain in the front of the knee that worsens after sitting for prolonged time
Knee pain that worsens with using stairs or getting out of a chair
A grating sensation in the knee
Diagnosis of Chondromalacia Patellae
A physical examination of the knee is not specific but may
suggest the diagnosis. The knee may be tender and mildly swollen. The kneecap may not be
perfectly lined up with the femur (thigh bone) underneath.
X-rays are usually normal.
Treatment of Chondromalacia
Patellae
The treatment will depend on the specific source of a person's pain. As
noted above, "chondromalacia" and "patello femoral syndrome" are not
diagnoses, as they do not help explain the source of pain. If pain is due to
a tight iliotibial band, treatment will be focused on stretching of that
band. If a person suffers from irritation of the infrapatellar branch of the
saphenous nerve, treatment might consist of a small injection. If core
stability is the issue, treatment might consist of physical therapy focused
on the abdomen, pelvis and hips.
Complications of Chondromalacia
Patellae
Failure of treatment to relieve pain is the primary
complication.
When surgery is necessary, surgical complications include infection, failure to relieve
pain, and worsening pain.
Prevention of Chondromalacia
Patellae
Avoid trauma or abnormal stress on the knee. Keep the leg muscles
strong and flexible, especially the quadriceps and the hamstrings. |
