title: Chondromalacia of the patella. Natural progression.
abstract: A total of 42 cases of patellar pain in subjects aged an average of 17.2 years submitted to arthroscopy are analyzed. Femoropatellar balance, where indicated, led to resolution of disorders with full resumption of sports activity. In the remaining cases chondromalacia showed the features of an affection with a spontaneously favorable course, confirming the common orientation towards conservative treatment. Arthroscopy is effective for a correct classification of cartilaginous lesions, and it is a good instrument to use when attempting to achieve recovery of patellofemoral joint when disorders are caused by a lack of equilibrium.
authors.affiliation: Seconda Divisione di Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Verni
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Prete
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beluzzi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Prosperi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martucci
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fedele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010329:Patella / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography