If you’ve ever experienced knee pain or discomfort, you might have heard about Chondromalacia Patellae, also known as runner’s knee.
It’s a common condition affecting the knee joint, causing pain and discomfort in people of all ages and activity levels. While conservative treatments like rest and physical therapy can help, surgery may sometimes be necessary to find long-lasting relief and regain an active lifestyle.
Chondromalacia patellae, or “Jumpers” is a condition that affects the knee joint. It is characterised by pain and discomfort around the patella, commonly known as the kneecap.
The condition typically arises due to the softening or breakdown of the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap, causing irritation and inflammation of the joint.
Chondromalacia patellae is often associated with overuse, especially in activities such as running, jumping, squatting, or cycling that involve repetitive knee bending.
While the exact cause of chondromalacia patella is not always clear, several factors may contribute to its development-
People at higher risk for chondromalacia patellae include females, older people and young athletes, and individuals engaged in activities that involve repetitive knee movements.
It is essential to recognise that having one or more causes or risk factors does not guarantee the development of chondromalacia patellae. If you experience knee pain or suspect you may have chondromalacia patellae, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of chondromalacia patellae may include-
While these symptoms can go away on their own, talk to a healthcare professional if knee pain doesn’t improve within a few days.
Diagnosing chondromalacia patellae typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional.
The diagnosis is usually made through a combination of
The doctor then grades the severity of the runner’s knee from grade 1 to 4. Grade 1 is the least severe, while grade 4 indicates the greatest severity.
The treatment for chondromalacia patellae aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce pain, and improve knee joint function. The approach to therapy is usually conservative, and surgery is rarely required.
The treatment options for chondromalacia patellae include:
It’s important to note that treatment success may vary from person to person, and some individuals may require a combination of these treatments for optimal results.
While conservative treatment options help with reducing pain and discomfort, in some cases, if symptoms are not getting better with conservative management, then surgery may be the next option.
Before undergoing chondromalacia patellae surgery, you need an initial consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and previous knee injuries or surgeries.
Your surgeon will provide specific preoperative instructions, including fasting before surgery, stopping certain medications before the surgery, and refraining from smoking.
Adhering to these preoperative guidelines will help minimise the risks and enhance the overall experience and outcome of the procedure.
The chondromalacia patella surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure discomfort and pain during the procedure.
Small incisions are made around the knee joint, and a small camera, an arthroscope, is inserted through one of the incisions. The surgeon uses the images to examine the knee and remove the damaged cartilage.
Depending on the severity of the condition, the surgeon may use different techniques to treat the damaged cartilage. These techniques include mircrofracture surgery, local cartilage transfer, minced cartilage and matrics scaffold impregnated with cartilage cell.
After completing the necessary treatments, the surgeon removes the arthroscope and other instruments from the knee joint and closes the incisions with stitches or adhesive strips.
The chondromalacia patella surgery recovery time can vary depending on the individual healing factors, the extent of surgery performed and adherence to postoperative care instructions.
In the first few days post-surgery, it’s essential to give your knee a rest and avoid activities that worsen the pain. You may also need to use crutches for some time.
Physical therapy will be advised to help restore knee function, improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and aid in healing. Your surgeon will also prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers.
As your knee improves, you can gradually reintroduce physical activities into your routine.
Preventing chondromalacia patellae involves maintaining proper knee health, avoiding overuse, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
Here are some tips to help prevent the development of chondromalacia patellae:
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Omar Sabri is one of Dubai’s leading orthopaedic consultant surgeons.
He is a seasoned surgeon specialising in knee and hip replacements, arthroscopic knee surgery and pelvic reconstruction. Not only this, but he is also skilled in robotic surgeries.
