Chondromalacia Research Paper

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Table of contents How the knee works p 3 Chondromalacia Itself p 3-4 Diagnoses p 4-5 Non surgical options p 5-7  R.I.C.E  Exercises and physical therapy  Bracing  Patella taping  Glucosamine and chondroiten sulfate Surgical options p 7-8  Arthroscopic method  Lateral releases  Ligament tightening procedures  Bony realignments Lateral release in depth p 9 Rehabilitation – non surgical p 9 Rehabilitation – surgical p 9-10 Chondromalacia as a persistent problem p10 Prevention p11 Appendices - Interviews p 12-13 Appendices - Pictures p 14-18 Endnotes p 19-20…show more content…
The cartilage under your kneecap (patella) acts as a natural shock absorber. This shock absorber does not come with a lifetime guarantee. The cartilage can normally glide across the knee during the bending of the joint. However, overuse, injury, or other factors may lead to Chondromalacia which is due to changes of the deepest layers of cartilage that causes blistering on the surface (4) (Figure 2.1 & 2.2). Chondromalacia is often seen in young adults and teenagers. Runners and other people who do a lot of exercise involving their lower knees also have a greater risk. It is more common in teen women; this is because uneven pressure due to structural transformations that take place during rapid growth may be put on their knee cartilage (5). This may cause chondromalacia. Other reasons that may cause chondromalacia may be because of overuse of the knee, it can be due to a slight alignment in the knee which can cause the patella to rub rather then glide over the femur. A small injury could also contribute to the knee problem. Degeneration leading to chondromalacia may also develop as part of the aging process, like putting a lot of miles on a car. This would happen specifically to elderly people; it can develop through their aging process where there is “wear and tear” in their joints (6). Abnormal pressure on the articular surface of the patella is also a factor to chondromalacia (Figure 3). Another…show more content…
The procedure is used to help realign the kneecap to a more normal position and relieve pressure on the articular cartilage. In this procedure, the lateral retinaculum is cut and released; this allows the kneecap to return to proper tracking in the trochlear groove (Figure 10). The ligaments heal overtime, and scar tissue fills in the gap left by the surgery (25). In some cases, if a lateral release is not enough, ligament tightening procedures may be the next step for a severe patellar misalignment. This is where the surgeon may also need to realign the quadriceps mechanism, when the tendons on the inside edge of the knee (the medial side) may have to be tightened as well (26). Many doctors think that the lateral release and ligament tightening procedures are overused; they urge patients to try the non surgical options before considering

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