title: [The cartilage-damage after fracture of the patella].
abstract: At least 16 cases of posttraumatic chondromalacia of the patella out of a total of 79 patients operated between 1968 and 1971 were diagnosed on the basis of a questionnaire and follow-up examination. The clinical findings and delineation of this complaint from femoro-patellar osteoarthritis are discussed. The diagnosis was confirmed by arthroscopy in 2 patients. The significance of cartilagenous damage due to direct contusion is pointed out. The mechanisms which result in a degradation of the cartilagenous layer in the weeks following the accident are mentioned. The therapeutic consequences for the treatment of fractures of the patella are as follows: One must aim at exact bony reduction. Macroscopically damaged parts of the cartilage should be removed. Indication to partial patellectomy should be on a broad basis. A long term treatment with salicylic acid or Chloroquin-both of which are said to prevent enzymatic degradation of cartilage-should be considered.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003288:Contusions / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
vernacular_title: Der Knorpelschaden nach Patellafraktur