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)

Arthroscopy: lateral meniscus damage (1) with tibial cartilage fissure (3)

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

Links

Related Articles

• Cartilage
• Arthritis

References

• GALLO, George. Orthopedics for students of medical and health faculties. 1. edition. Olomouc : Palacký University in Olomouc, 2011. ISBN 978-80-244-2486-6.