Chondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome)Medical Author:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Chondromalacia Patella OverviewChondromalacia patella is weakening and softening of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella). It is felt that the degeneration of this particular cartilage occurs because of improper alignment of the kneecap in relation to the bone of the thigh, the femur. Knee pain from irritation of this degenerated cartilage during activities is often referred to as patellofemoral syndrome. Chondromalacia patella is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially in women. |
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Chondromalacia Patella
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