Chondromalacia MRI

Chondromalacia, also known as chondromalacia patellae, is a condition characterized by the softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the  patella. This condition often leads to pain and inflammation in the knee joint and is commonly associated with overuse, injury, or other conditions affecting the knee.

Chondromalacia: Overview

Chondromalacia refers to the softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella). This condition is often referred to as “runner’s knee” and can cause knee pain and discomfort, especially during activities that put stress on the knee joint.

Causes

Chondromalacia can be caused by:

• Overuse: Repetitive stress on the knee from activities such as running, jumping, or cycling.
• Injury: Direct trauma to the knee, like a fall or a blow.
• Misalignment: Misalignment of the kneecap due to structural abnormalities can cause uneven wear on the cartilage.
• Arthritis: Degenerative changes associated with osteoarthritis can lead to chondromalacia.

Symptoms

The symptoms of chondromalacia may include:

• Knee Pain: A dull, aching pain in the front of the knee, especially when going up or down stairs, kneeling, or sitting for extended periods.
• Swelling: Mild swelling or a feeling of fullness in the knee joint.
• Grinding Sensation: A sensation of grinding or crunching when moving the knee.
• Tenderness: Tenderness around the kneecap, especially when pressing on the area.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chondromalacia involves:

• Physical Examination: A doctor will assess the knee for pain, swelling, and tenderness. They may also evaluate the alignment and movement of the patella.
• Imaging Tests:   MRI  scan  is used to visualize the cartilage and rule out other conditions such as bone erosion.

Grading

Chondromalacia is typically graded on a scale from I to IV based on the severity of cartilage damage:

• Grade I: Softening of the cartilage.
• Grade II: Cartilage shows early signs of fragmentation and fissuring (crabmeat appearance).
• Grade III: Fissuring deepens to a size of more than 1.5 cm.
• Grade IV: Erosion of cartilage down to the bone.

Treatment:

Treatment of chondromalacia may involve a combination of approaches:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
• Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve muscle balance and knee alignment.
• Orthotics: Shoe inserts or knee braces to improve alignment and reduce stress on the knee.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as arthroscopic debridement,