[Analysis of articular cartilage lesions in 5114 knee arthroscopies]

The cartilage lesions become the increasing social problem, which occurs often in young people. It influences the normal knee function and may predispose patients for osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was the epidemiologic and etiological analysis of the knee articular cartilage lesions diagnosed in arthroscopy. From 1997 to 2002, arthroscopy of the knee joint was performed in 5114 patients. Chondral lesions were found in 2931 cases--57.3. Non-isolated cartilage lesions accounted for 67.9%. Grade II according to ICRS classification evaluated in arthroscopy was the most frequent grade of the cartilage lesion (47.8%) and grade 4B the least frequent one (0.11%). The patellar articular surface (43.3%) and the medial femoral condyle (39.6%) were the most common locations of the lesions.