Chondromalacia Patellae

Question 1

What is Chondromalacia Patellae ?

Answer 1

Inflammationof the underside of thepatellaand softening of thecartilage

Question 2

What happens to the patella in this condition?

Answer 2

abnormal “tracking” allows the patella to grate over the lower end of the femur causing chronic inflammation and pain.

Question 3

What causes CP?

Answer 3

Overuse and injury,

Question 4

Who is this condition commonly seen in?

Answer 4

• Young females
• Knock-kneed or flat-footed runners
• people with unusually shaped patella under-surface.

People who are involved in an active life style with high impact on the knees are at greatest risk.

Question 5

Clinical presentation of CM?

Answer 5

• Discomfort of the inner front of the knee, aggravated by activity
• Pain in the knee, felt after sitting for long periods of time

Question 6

How could we treat this?

Answer 6

• Allowing inflammation to subside while avoiding irritating activities for several weeks is followed by a gradual resumption.
• Strengthening and flexibility of the hip and thigh muscles