Double-contrast arthrography in meniscal lesions and patellar chondropathy

The technique of double-contrast arthrography is discussed in this paper. The serial exposures included a special exposure of the retropatellar region in order to detect patellar chondropathy. Various types of meniscal rupture and degeneration are discussed with special reference to combinations of these lesions and to lesions of both menisci in the same knee joint. The aetiology and radiological features of patellar chondropathy are discussed in detail. Patellar chondropathy was diagnosed in 19% of patients without meniscal lesions, 23% of patients with medial and 35% of those with lateral meniscal lesions, as well as in 73% of post-meniscectomy cases. Comparison of arthrographic with arthroscopic results revealed a positive correlation in 74% of cases.