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Ency. home > Disease > C > Chondromalacia patellae

Chondromalacia patellae    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Patellae - femoral grinding

Treatment

Temporary rest or immobilization of the affected joint and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be effective in relieving pain. Physical therapy, especially quadriceps strengthening and hamstring stretching, is helpful. Participation in sports or strenuous activity should be limited until the pain has resolved.

Surgery is beneficial if there is a problem with the alignment of the patella that cannot be corrected with therapy. Depending on the nature of the mis-alignment, the surgery may be arthroscopic or open.

Prognosis

The condition usually improves with therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. For the few people that need it, surgery is successful about 90% of the time.

Complications

Failure of treatment to relieve pain is the primary complication.

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

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

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

Ency. home > Disease > C > Chondromalacia patellae

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