Q:
I have heard of several conditions that sound similar to Patella Femoral Syndrome. What is this syndrome? Answered by
Ken Alleyne M.D.
A:
Patella Femoral Syndrome (or chondromalacia patellae) refers to softening of the articular cartilage of the kneecap. The disorder can occur at any age and may be caused by injury, overuse, abnormal limb alignment, or muscle weakness. It is also known as housemaid’s knee.
Instead of gliding smoothly across the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the kneecap rubs against it, thereby roughening the cartilage underneath the kneecap. The damage may range from a slight abnormality of the surface of the cartilage to a surface that has been worn away completely to the bone.
Traumatic chondromalacia occurs when a blow to the knee cap tears off either a small piece of articular cartilage or a large fragment containing a piece of bone (osteochondral fracture).
Q:
What can I do to relieve the pain and discomfort resulting from Patella Femoral Syndrome? Answered by
Ken Alleyne M.D.
A:
The first line of treatment focuses around conservative modalities. Usually, a prescribed regimen of exercises and anti-inflammatories or Tylenol as needed. This tends to work in the vast majority of patients. Your physician can discuss other options with you. Usually, we give the conservative approach a considerable amount of time to work (several months) before considering less-conservative measures.
Q:
How do you diagnose Patella Femoral Syndrome? Does it show up on an X-ray or an MRI? Answered by
Ken Alleyne M.D.
A:
The diagnosis is one of symptoms and physical examination by your physician. Occasionally, there are X-ray findings as well as MRI findings, but these are adjuncts to a good history and physical examination.
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