53. Chondromalacia patellae

• Chondromalacia patellae is softening of the cartilage on the posterior articular cartilagenous surface of the patella
• Due to overuse, inflammation, or injury
• Epidemiology
  • Adolescents
  • Girls > boys
• Clinical features
  • Diffuse pain around or behind the patella
  • Insidious onset of symptoms
  • Pain worsens when walking in stairs or sitting for a long time
• Treatment
  • Conservative
    • Main treatment is conservative
    • Rest
    • Physical therapy
    • NSAIDs
  • Surgical