[Chondropathia patellae--a sequel of a primary neurogenic lesion?]

In twenty patients with a patellar pain syndrome (Chondropathia patellae) the quadriceps muscles were examined electromyographically. The study aimed for detection of neural lesions in the respective segments. According to Weh and Eickhoff (1983) nerve root lesions are the common cause for patellar pain syndrome. In their opinion malinnervation of the quadriceps leads to a muscular disbalance of the vastus medialis and lateralis and in consequence to an unphysiological traction of their patellar insertions that induces pain. Neither clinical data nor electromyographical findings gave any indication to believe that primary nerve root disturbances are a common cause for patellar pain syndrome.