Chondromalacia patella

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Softening & breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the patella

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Knee pain - worsens with activity
Crepitus
Swelling
Instability
Tenderness

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Common cause of knee pain - athletes
More so in women- possibly due to wider hips and biomechanics - Q angle
Higher chance in people involved with sports with repetitive stress on knees e.g basketball, running
25% of population

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

10 - 35 years
Athletes with repetitive flexion/ extension or high impact activities
Older - OA or previous knee injury

Question 5

Risk factors

Answer 5

Repetitive motions
Muscle weakness or imbalance - weak quads
Knee misalignment
Prior injury
Flat feet (over pronation) can affect alignment of knee
Female- biomechanics

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Pain during activity
Pain after sitting
Grinding sensation
Stiffness

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Good - PT, strengthening exercises, modifications in footwear

Can lead to osteoarthritis if untreated
Severe- surgery
Full activity with rehab and management