Chondromalacia patellae: a radiographic study of the femoropatellar joint.

X-rays of 71 patients operated on for chondromalacia patellae were examined in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the radiographic changes in this disease. Ninety-seven patients with a normal patellofemoral joint - found at operation - were used as a control group. We found a significantly higher frequency of patella alta and the presence of Haglund's excavation in patients with chondromalacia but had to conclude that ordinary X-rays cannot be used to confirm the diagnosis chondromalacia patellae.

Recurrent dislocation of the patella. Treatment by a modification of the method of McCarroll & Schwartzmann.

In a retrospective examination of 40 knees operated on according to a modification of the method of McCarroll & Schwartzmann, results ranging from good to excellent were seen in 68 per cent of the cases. Poor results partly attributable to synovitis and chondromalacia, were found in 20 per cent. Twelve per cent had recurrence of the dislocation.