Knee - Chondromalacia with Surgical Repair - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing, Anatomy Illustration



or
Search Language
Browse
Medical Illustrations
Medical Exhibits
Most Recent Uploads
Body Systems/Regions
Anatomy & Physiology
Cells & Tissues
Abdomen
Back and Spine
Foot and Ankle
Hand and Wrist
Head and Neck
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Thorax
Medical Specialties
Anesthesiology
Cancer
Cardiology
Dentistry
Emergency Medicine
Gastroenterology
Infectious Diseases
Neurology/Neurosurgery
Nursing Home
Ob/Gyn
Orthopedics
Pathology
Pediatrics
Personal Injury
Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry
Radiology
Surgery
Urology/Nephrology
Account
Administrator Login

Knee - Chondromalacia with Surgical Repair - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing

 

Need Additional Information?

Item #exh5252 — Source #1048

Order by phone: 954-522-2828

Knee - Chondromalacia with Surgical Repair - Medical Illustration, Human Anatomy Drawing
This medical exhibit accurately depicts chondromalacia of the right knee, primarily the articular surface of the patella, with subsequent laser surgery repair. Using a series of five illustrations, the first graphic displays the roughened appearance of the patellar surface with labels indicating Grade I and II (1 and 2) chondromalacia. The remaining illustrations show arthroscopic surgery to shave and smooth the undersurface of the patella.
Chondromalacia (KON-dro-mah-LAY-she-ah), also called chondromalacia patellae, refers to softening of the articular cartilage of the knee cap. This disorder occurs most often in young adults and can be caused by injury, overuse, parts out of alignment, or muscle weakness. Instead of gliding smoothly across the lower end of the thigh bone, the knee cap rubs against it, thereby roughening the cartilage underneath the knee cap. The damage may range from a slightly abnormal surface of the cartilage to a surface that has been worn away to the bone. Chondromalacia related to injury occurs when a blow to the knee cap tears off either a small piece of cartilage or a large fragment containing a piece of bone (osteochondral fracture).

The most frequent symptom is a dull pain around or under the knee cap that worsens when walking down stairs or hills. A person may also feel pain when climbing stairs or when the knee bears weight as it straightens. The disorder is common in runners and is also seen in skiers, cyclists, and soccer players. A patient's description of symptoms and a followup x ray usually help the doctor make a diagnosis. Although arthroscopy can confirm the diagnosis, it's not performed unless the condition requires extensive treatment.

Many doctors recommend that patients with chondromalacia perform low-impact exercises that strengthen muscles, particularly the inner part of the quadriceps, without injuring joints. Swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, and using a cross-country ski machine are acceptable as long as the knee doesn't bend more than 90 degrees. Electrical stimulation may also be used to strengthen the muscles. If these treatments don't improve the condition, the doctor may perform arthroscopic surgery to smooth the surface of the cartilage and "wash out" the cartilage fragments that cause the joint to catch during bending and straightening. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the angle of the knee cap and relieve friction with the cartilage or to reposition parts that are out of alignment.

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health

YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO REVIEW THESE ITEMS:
Post-accident Knee Fracture with Surgical Repair
Post-accident Knee Fracture with Surgical Repair - exh5079
Medical Exhibit
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Post-accident Knee Injuries with Surgical Repair
Post-accident Knee Injuries with Surgical Repair - exh5110
Medical Exhibit
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Surgical Repair of the Knee with Peroneal Nerve Damage
Surgical Repair of the Knee with Peroneal Nerve Damage - exh4982
Medical Exhibit
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Knee and Shoulder Injuries with Surgical Repair of Each
Knee and Shoulder Injuries with Surgical Repair of Each - exh5704b
Medical Exhibit
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Continued Problems of the Right Knee with Additional Surgical Repair
Continued Problems of the Right Knee with Additional Surgical Repair - exh6045d
Medical Exhibit
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This
Post-accident Knee Fracture with Surgical Repair
Post-accident Knee Fracture with Surgical Repair - exh5135b
Medical Exhibit
Add to my lightbox
Find More Like This