Chondromalacia patella

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Chondromalacia of the patella

Runners knee

Patellofemoral syndrome; Anterior knee pain

Temporarily resting the knee and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin may help relieve pain. Physical therapy, especially quadriceps strengthening and hamstring stretching, may be helpful.

Participation in sports or strenuous activity should be limited until the pain has gone away. Activities that increase the knee pain, such as deep knee bends, should be avoided until the pain improves.

If the alignment of the patella that cannot be corrected with therapy, surgery may be an option. Depending on the nature of the misalignment, the surgery may be arthroscopic (using a camera, which allows a smaller incision) or open.

Chondromalacia patella usually improves with therapy and use of NSAIDs. For the few people who need it, surgery is successful about 60-90% of the time.

The primary complication is failure of treatment to relieve pain.

When surgery is necessary, surgical complications may include infection, failure to relieve pain, and worsening pain.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.