Ask the Expert

Get answers to your shoulder and elbow questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Chondromalacia patella - Symptom

Alternative Names

Patellofemoral syndrome

Symptoms:

A grating or grinding sensation when the knee is extended
Knee pain in the front of the knee that worsens after sitting for a long period of time
Knee pain that worsens with using stairs or getting out of a chair
Knee tenderness

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical examination. The knee may be tender and mildly swollen, and the kneecap may not be perfectly lined up with the femur (thigh bone).

When you straighten your knee, a grinding sensation may be felt below the kneecap. Pressing the kneecap when the knee is straight may be painful.

X-rays are usually normal, although a special x-ray view of the kneecap may show signs of arthritis or tilting.

Chondromalacia of the patella

Reviewed last on: 5/5/2008
Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

May TJ. Persistent anterior knee pain. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:277-278.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)