Arthroscopic measurement of chondromalacia of patella cartilage using a microminiature pressure transducer.

A microminiature pressure transducer was constructed to measure chondromalacia of the medial patellar facet under arthroscopic control. Normal and abnormal values were established. Among a group of 58 knees with no patellofemoral symptoms or signs, 30 knees measured "soft" using this instrument. Among a group of 107 knees with patellofemoral symptoms and signs, 98 knees measured "soft." Of these 98 knees, 55 had no observable change in the articular surface of the patella.