[The cartilage-damage after fracture of the patella]

At least 16 cases of posttraumatic chondromalacia of the patella out of a total of 79 patients operated between 1968 and 1971 were diagnosed on the basis of a questionnaire and follow-up examination. The clinical findings and delineation of this complaint from femoro-patellar osteoarthritis are discussed. The diagnosis was confirmed by arthroscopy in 2 patients. The significance of cartilagenous damage due to direct contusion is pointed out. The mechanisms which result in a degradation of the cartilagenous layer in the weeks following the accident are mentioned. The therapeutic consequences for the treatment of fractures of the patella are as follows: One must aim at exact bony reduction. Macroscopically damaged parts of the cartilage should be removed. Indication to partial patellectomy should be on a broad basis. A long term treatment with salicylic acid or Chloroquin-both of which are said to prevent enzymatic degradation of cartilage-should be considered.