Risk factors for chondromalacia patella in young athletes: a case-control study

Chondromalacia patella is a common condition characterized by cartilage deterioration beneath the kneecap, frequently observed in athletes. This study aimed to identify a new factor associated with chondromalacia patella in young athletes.

A case-control study was conducted with 62 young athletes, involving 124 patellas (58 with chondromalacia, 66 without). Chondromalacia was diagnosed using the Patella Slide Test. To find risk factors, the muscle strength of five muscle groups was measured using a dynamometer. Using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and chi-squared tests, case and control groups are compared according to different types of variables (age, weight, sex, duration of training and muscle strength of different muscle groups). Logistic regression was used to model the relationship between predictor variables and the binary outcome (chondromalacia patella).

Significant differences were found in age, years of training, isometric strength of hip flexors, and knee extension strength between the patellas with chondromalacia and the control group. The logistic regression model revealed that the ratio of knee extension to hip flexor strength was significantly associated with chondromalacia patella and that it is a critical predictor of chondromalacia patella.

Strengthening the hip flexors, particularly the iliopsoas muscle, through targeted physical therapy in young athletes with chondromalacia patella may hold potential for improving the condition.