Chondromalacia patella refers to damage to the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap). This damage can occur if the patella is not tracking normally within the V-shaped groove of the femur bone (trochlea). It usually presents as pain in the front of the knee.
The patella (kneecap) is an important bone that improves the vector of force for the quadriceps muscle. It normally glides with knee movement within a v-shaped groove in the femur. A patella dislocation can occur as a result of a traumatic knee injury. Certain people are more likely to have recurring dislocations that impede their ability to play sport and perform their daily activities..
Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term used to describe patients with pain at the front of their knee and around or under the kneecap. This pain occurs in the absence of any cartilage problems involving the kneecap.
