traumatology

Symptoms Chondromalacia

Definition

Chondromalacia is a degenerative disease that affects the articular cartilage. In most cases, this condition results from acute traumas (eg direct bumps or distortions) or overloading injuries (ie repeated excessive stresses) that cause suffering and wear of the cartilage tissue.

The most common chondromalacia is that which affects the patella. In this case, the disorder may result from abnormalities in the structure and / or in the position of the foot and / or leg, which cause the knee to become misaligned during movement. Patellar chondromalacia is characteristic of individuals who run long distances and can affect overweight or obese people.

The disorder can also result from alterations of the metabolism that cause a "softening" of the generalized cartilages (systemic chondromalacia or Meyenburg-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome).

Most common symptoms and signs *

  • Knee pain
  • Articolar pains
  • Muscle pains
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Articular noises
  • Articular Pouring

Further indications

The typical symptom of chondromalacia is the pain in the joints affected by the pathological process, with possible swelling and stiffness.

In the chondromalacia of the patella, pain occurs especially in climbing or descending stairs, in the practice of daily or sports activities that require an axial load on the knees or when the sitting position is maintained for a long time (eg in the cinema or in the car ).

Sometimes, when bending the knee, it is possible to hear a noise similar to a click or a creak and a sensation of a fleeting failure.

Chondromalacia is diagnosed with imaging techniques (ultrasound, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography) and arthroscopy.

In many cases, the resolution of the disease is spontaneous, therefore the main measures to be taken are aimed at alleviating pain, avoiding excessive physical exercises for several days and possibly taking analgesic drugs. Persistent or recurrent pain from chondromalacia patellar can often be resolved by arthroscopic surgery.