Chondropathy

By chondropathy (chondromalacia) we mean damage to the cartilage of a joint on a non-traumatic basis.

Etiology

 * degeneration
 * further metabolic and rheumatic diseases, mechanical damage (e.g. with meniscus rupture)

Pathological-anatomical classification

 * 1. degree: decrease in elasticity, change in color
 * 2. degree: surface crack formation
 * 3. degree: damage cartilage down to subchondral bone (predisposition to arthrosis)

Arthroscopic classification

 * 1. degree: softening
 * 2. grade: surface cracks
 * 3. grade: ulceration
 * 4. grade: subchondral bone defect

Clinical picture

 * pain during exercise, swelling, rigors

Diagnostics

 * physical examination, X-ray, MRI, ASK

Treatment

 * ASK: the fibrous cartilage is gently smoothed with a shaver, the unstable part of the cartilage is removed, abrasions, taps, microfractures, mosaic plastic, cultured chondrocytes

Related Articles

 * Cartilage
 * Arthritis