Chondromalacia of the patella. Bone imaging correlated with arthroscopic findings.

One hundred adult sports medicine patients with clinical findings suggesting chondromalacia of the patella underwent bone imaging. Of these patients, 50 eventually underwent arthroscopic surgery and the remaining 50 were treated conservatively. The intensity of abnormally increased scintigraphic activity in the patella correlated closely with the grade of chondromalacia observed by the arthroscopist. Bone imaging also was of value in directing the arthroscopist to clinically unsuspected torn menisci. In conclusion, for sports medicine patients with clinical findings suggestive of chondromalacia of the patella, bone imaging contributes to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical planning.