Chondromalacia Patellae: A Review

Chondromalacia patella (knee pain) is the softening and breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) on the underside of the kneecap (patella) and is often referred to as chondromalacia of the patella, patellofemoral syndrome, or runner's knee. Pain Results when the knee and the thigh bone (femur) rub together. Abnormal knee cap positioning, tightness or weakness of the muscles associated with the knee, too much activity involving the knee, and flat feet may increase the likelihood of chondromalacia patella. The undersurface of the patella is covered with hyaline cartilage that articulates with the hyaline cartilage covered femoral groove (trochlear groove). Post-traumatic injuries, microtrauma wear and tear, and iatrogenic injections of medication can lead to the development of chondromalacia. Chondromalacia occurs in any joint and is especially common in joints that have had trauma and deformities. Cartilage is the soft tissue padding which is present between all joint and bones and acts like a shock absorber. The cartilage experiences a lot of wear, tear and damage over time. The cartilage is essentially avascular (has no blood or nerve supply) and is therefore quite a difficult area to heal. Long term therapy is essential in ensuring healthy repair so that further complications are not experienced in the future.