It is a wear or softening of the cartilage of the knee between the patella and the femur.
Its most common causes are: excess weight, sports that strain the knee (basketball, soccer, rugby, cyclists, runners, etc.), poor vascularisation and poor knee alignment. The patient's genetic background may also predispose to suffer from it.
This wearing produces a friction that can produce discomfort. It manifests with joint pain, cracking when moving the knee and swelling.
The diagnosis is clinical, through a questioning and a physical examination. Additional tests may include imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI. In some cases, a diagnostic arthroscopy can be performed.
The treatment is based on physiotherapy (massage, ultrasound, stretching...), injection of hyaluronic acid or drugs that stop the wear (chondrogen, glucosamine sulfate, plasma, etc.). It is advisable to practice exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, such as swimming or pilates.
If you have the above symptoms you should go to the orthopaedist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment to avoid complications.
- N. Kulund D. Lesiones del deportista. Rodilla. Exploración de la rodilla del deportia lesionado. Aparato extensor de la rodilla. Salvat S.A. 352-370.
- K. T. Ramírez. Condromalacia rotuliana. Rev Med Cos Ric Cent. 2014; 71(611):551-553
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Radiologic evaluation of the acutely painful knee in adults; [citado el 28 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/radiologic-evaluation-of-the-acutely-painful-knee-in-adults?source=search_result&search=condromalacia+rotuliana&selectedTitle=24~87
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Physical examination of the knee; [citado el 28 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/physical-examination-of-the-knee?source=search_result&search=condromalacia+rotuliana&selectedTitle=23~87
