Presentation
Anterior right knee pain
Patient Data
A focal defect is noted at the patellar articular cartilage with minimal subchondral edematous bone changes (grade III chondromalacia patellae according to modified Outerbridge grading system).
Mild knee joint effusion is also noted.
Case Discussion
Chondromalacia patella is focal degeneration of the articular patellar cartilage. It may be spontaneous or secondary to primary incidents like trauma. It is more common in females in the young adult age group. The usual presentation is anterior knee pain. MRI is the modality of choice for diagnosis and grading. According to modified Outerbridge grading system, these features represent grade III chondromalacia patella.