title: Chondromalacia patellae and the painful knee.
abstract: Chondromalacia patellae is a pathologic diagnosis. The initial diagnosis is patellofemoral pain syndrome, unless actual evidence of chondromalacia is available. The success of a nonoperative treatment program is correlated with improvement of thigh musculature balance. An arduous muscle-strengthening program is part of the treatment protocol. Only eight in a series of 100 patients required surgery. The physician's attitude and the patient's confidence are important elements in the success rate.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries; D010808:Physical Examination