The natural history of chondromalacia patellae. A 12-year follow-up.

A series of 45 patients with chondromalacia patellae demonstrated clinically and by arthrotomy, but without demonstrable biomechanical misalignment, was investigated retrospectively. Thirty-one of the patients had only been treated conservatively while partial chondrectomy was performed in 14. All of the patients underwent an intensive rehabilitation program. After 12 years the patients were interviewed. Eighty-one percent of the patients who were treated conservatively and 57 percent of the patients in whom partial chondrectomy was performed had mild or no pain and no other knee complaints. The results were better for patients aged 20 years or younger. Two patients received disability pensions on account of poor knee function and 6 had changed to less strenuous occupations. Restraint is advised as regards operative treatment of chondromalacia patellae.