Chondromalacia of the patella.

One hundred and sixty-three patients who underwent arthroscopic studies of the knee have been reviewed in an attempt to better understand the clinical condition present in chondromalacia of the patella. All patients included in the study were found to have either painful knees, patellar chondromalacia, or both, but no other intraarticular pathology. The difference between true chondromalacia of the patella (which may or may not be symptomatic) and other types of pain in the patello-femoral area is emphasized. Although various types of conservative and operative treatment have been described, the symptoms have frequently been found to resolve spontaneously, especially in young patients.