[Diagnosis of chondral injury in trauma of the knee joint (author's transl)].

Diagnosis of chondral lesions as the only injury in knee trauma is difficult: Lesions of the cartilage were found by arthroscopy, months or years after trauma, in 153 patients; the diagnosis was never suspected immediately after injury. Chondral lesions may be suspected from clinical examination but never proved. Contrast arthography may reveal the injury in exceptional cases. Only arthroscopy or arthrotomy can really prove or exclude injury to the cartilage. Arthoscopy is to he preferred because of the far lower morbidity and is more reliable because of a better view of the articular surfaces.