[The general survey for chondromalacia of 2,743 Chinese population].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the distribution of chondromalacia patella in Chinese population.

METHODS

A random cluster sampling survey was performed covering 2,743 subjects varied in age, sex and occupation in 1995.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate is 36.2%. The occurrence in women was higher than that in men (P < 0.01), while in the age group, 30 to 39 years was the highest being 55.8%. The prevalence rate in soldier being 47.5% was the highest among varied occupations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first survey to be performed in a large number of Chinese population. This investigation may reflect the prevalence rate of chondromalacia patella in China.