[Traumatic cartilage damage of the knee joint]

Thirty-five traumatic lesions to cartilage were recorded, together with other injuries, from 225 arthroscopic examinations in two years. Most of the lesions (20) were located at the femoral condyle. The patella was involved in eight cases. However, if the patellar surface was related to the surface of the femoral condyles, the former was just as strongly affected by traumatic effects as the latter. No unambiguous localisation was possible in six cases, most of them smaller cartilage abrasions. Optional therapy proved to be applicable via the arthroscope in seven cases, while small incisions in the form of mini-arthrotomy were necessary in five cases. Arthrotomy was performed on 21 patients, and no therapeutic action at all was required in two cases. Complications included one transient soft-tissue infection and haemarthrosis of one patients who had to be punctured. Following very short-time immobilisation in plaster cast, the use of forearm walking supports was considered appropriate for short-term weight relief. A weight-relieving orthotic device with dynamic partial-loading facility was fitted for longer-term weight relief.