The significance of chondromalacic changes on the patella

A total of 500 arthroscopies were performed in a 2-year period, with special reference made to the patellofemoral joint. In those with pain thought to be arising from this joint, 63% had chondromalacic changes on the posterior surface of the patella compared with a 45% incidence in those with meniscal pathological findings at arthroscopy. This study demonstrates that those with patellofemoral pain do not always have patellar articular changes, and patellar pathology is often asymptomatic. As a result, treatment directed at these lesions must be used with great caution.