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Chondromalacia patella is a condition
caused by the degeneration or erosion of cartilage under the surface of the kneecap,
creating an irritation or pain within the joint. As the protective cartilage wears away, the kneecap and the femur (upper leg bone)
begin to come in contact with one another, making the knee difficult
to move without pain.
This condition can vary in severity, depending on the location and
the amount and rate of degeneration of the cartilage.
Heredity, intensity of athletic activity and the extent of previous
injury to the knee all play a role in determining the amount
of degeneration to the cartilage.
The damaged cartilage cannot be re-grown. Treatments can
supplement the remaining cartilage, but these are still temporary
measures to protect the knee against further deterioration of
the cartilage.
Less advanced conditions are treatable with physical therapy and
other non-surgical treatments. Patients with severe conditions may require surgery. This surgery removes the damaged cartilage and creates a cartilage-like substitute in the area of the cartilage defect.
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