title: Chondral Injury in Patellofemoral Instability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Patellofemoral instability is common and affects a predominantly young age group. Chondral injury occurs in up to 95%, and includes osteochondral fractures and loose bodies acutely and secondary degenerative changes in recurrent cases. Biomechanical abnormalities, such as trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, predispose to both recurrent dislocations and patellofemoral arthrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this article, we review the mechanisms of chondral injury in patellofemoral instability, diagnostic modalities, the distribution of lesions seen in acute and episodic dislocation, and treatments for articular cartilage lesions of the patellofemoral joint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Little specific evidence exists for cartilage treatments in patellofemoral instability. In general, the results of reparative and restorative procedures in the patellofemoral joint are inferior to those observed in other compartments of the knee.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the increased severity of chondral lesions and progression to osteoarthritis seen with recurrent dislocations, careful consideration should be given to early stabilisation in patients with predisposing factors.
authors.affiliation: Frankston Hospital, Frankston, Victoria, Australia ; Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lording
authors.affiliation: Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lustig
authors.affiliation: Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Elvire
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Servien
authors.affiliation: Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neyret
keywords: articular cartilage; instability; patellofemoral joint