Chondromalacia patellae, also known as “runner’s knee,” is a condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella(kneecap) deteriorates and softens. This condition is common among young, athletic individuals, but may also occur in older adults who have arthritis of the knee.
The symptoms of runner’s knee are knee pain and grinding sensations.
Who is at risk for chondromalacia patellae?
There are a variety of factors that may increase your risk for developing chondromalacia patellae.
1. Adolescents and young adults are at high risk for this condition.
- Females are more likely than males to develop runner’s knee, as they typically possess less muscle mass than males.
- Flat feet may place more stress on your knee joints than in people who have higher arches in their feet.
4. A prior injury to the kneecap, such as a dislocation, can increase your risk of developing runner’s knee.
- If you have a high activity level or engage in frequent exercises that place pressure on your knee joints, this can increase the risk for knee problems.
- Runner’s knee can also be a symptom of arthritis, a condition causing inflammation to the joint and tissue. Inflammation can prevent the kneecap from functioning properly.
Arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to examine the joint and determine whether there’s misalignment of the knee. This surgery involves inserting a camera into your joint through a tiny incision and smoothing the back side of the knee cap. A PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection is done simultaneously to enhance healing.
Dr Anastasia Athanasiou
Orthopedic surgeon specialist
#orthopedicsurgeondubai