The surgical treatment of chondromalacia of the patella.

In a retrospective review of 184 knees treated for surgically diagnosed chondromalacia of the patella, the average follow-up period was 3.9 years. The treatment rendered included trephine and drilling in 71 knees, facetectomy in 57 knees, shaving in 35 knees, and a combination procedure in 21 knees. Knees were graded as 2, 3, or 4, depending on the depth and severity of the lesion. The best results were in Grades 2 and 3 disease treated by trephine and drilling or facetectomy. Six patients required further patellar surgery during the follow-up period. The purpose of surgical treatment of the patellar articular surface is to relieve pain and preserve the mechanical advantage of the patella for normal knee function.