DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
MRI
PT IMPLICATIONS
(click here to see references)
- CMP is a knee condition where the articular cartilage lining on the posterior side of the patella softens and degenerates.
- The majority of patients with anterior knee pain do not have cartilage defects. CMP is now considered a distinct diagnostic entity, and the term is no longer used unless fissuring of the hyaline cartilage has been visualized.
- Abnormal tracking of the patella is thought to be the cause due to shear forces of the femoral condyle and patellar groove.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- CMP is usually evaluated in combination of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), but the histological diagnosis of CMP is not strongly associated with PFPS.
- Patients may complain of diffuse pain of the anterior knee, effusion, tenderness on the undersurface of the patella, and patellar crepitus.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
MRI
- used to visualized articular cartilage defects.
- CT scan may aid in the diagnosis of CMP.
- Arthroscopy is used to visualized cartilage defects.
- Radiographs are used to look at the relationship of the patella to the femur.
- Increased Q angle suggest patella is being pulled laterally.
- Patellofemoral grinding test.
- Patellar dislocation test.
PT IMPLICATIONS
- PT treatment should include stretching to restore flexibility of quadriceps, hamstrings, and IT band and strengthening of the hip abductors, external rotators, and quadriceps. Strengthening should specifically include short arc closed chain exercises to prevent loading on the cartilage. Gait training with correction of in-toeing, patellar mobilizations, taping and bracing to allow pain-free exercising.
- Refer to orthopedic surgeon if pain does not resolve with conservative treatment in 3 to 6 months.
(click here to see references)