From the Research
Chondromalacia is a condition characterized by softening and deterioration of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella), commonly known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner's knee, typically causing pain in the front of the knee, especially when climbing stairs, squatting, kneeling, or sitting with bent knees for extended periods 1.
Causes and Risk Factors
The condition occurs due to various factors, including trauma, increased cartilage vulnerability, patellofemoral instability, bony anatomic variations, abnormal patellar kinematics, and occupation hazards 1.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of chondromalacia patellae can be made through a combination of clinical evaluation and radiological examinations, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being a non-invasive diagnostic method that can potentially identify cartilage lesions 1.
Treatment
Treatment usually begins with conservative measures, including rest, ice application, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, as well as physical therapy focusing on quadriceps and hip strengthening exercises 2.
- Key exercises include:
- Straight leg raises
- Wall sits
- Hamstring stretches
- These exercises should be performed daily for 15-20 minutes.
Recent Advances in Treatment
Recent studies have shown that injectable platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) can be effective in treating anterior knee pain due to chondromalacia patellae, with significant improvement in patient-related measures, such as the VAS and Kujala scores 2.
Prognosis
Most cases of chondromalacia patellae improve with conservative treatment within 4-6 weeks, though severe cases may require surgical intervention if significant cartilage damage exists 1.
Quality of Life
The condition can significantly impact the quality of life, especially in young and middle-aged adults, and effective treatment can lead to improvement in quality of life 2.
Diagnostic Parameters
Recent studies have also investigated the use of patellar cartilage cross-sectional area (PCCSA) as a predictive parameter for diagnosing chondromalacia patellae, with a cutoff point of 116.24 mm2 showing 72.0% sensitivity and 72.0% specificity 3.