1. [Chronic chondromalacia of the patella: comparison of morphological (magnetic resonance) and functional findings (isokinetic parameters) after rehabilitation].
- Author
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Felicetti G, Avanza F, Fiori M, Brignoli E, and Rovescala R
- Subjects
- Adult, Bone Diseases pathology, Bone Diseases physiopathology, Bone Diseases rehabilitation, Cartilage Diseases rehabilitation, Humans, Kinetics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Cartilage Diseases pathology, Cartilage Diseases physiopathology, Patella pathology
- Abstract
The knee is a common site for injuries of the cartilage, capsule and ligament, which calls for the use of noninvasive techniques to assess injury severity properly and to plan adequate rehabilitation. Our study was aimed at comparing MR with isokinetic findings. To this purpose, 40 patients were examined; they were all affected with chondromalacia patellae, grades I-III, previously diagnosed at arthroscopy. Namely, 8 patients had grade I and 32 grades II and III chondromalacia. After MR and isokinetic exams, all patients were submitted to a standardized rehabilitation program. Our results indicate a marked decrease in quadriceps strength, especially in the most severe cases; in less severe cases, recovery was complete at 6 months, while the deficit remained in grades II and III injuries. MR yield was not relevant in 4 of 8 cases, while isokinetic findings were negative in one case. Both methods were positive in the most severe cases. At 6 months, both functional and MR findings were normal in grade I injuries, while some alterations remained in the others.
- Published
- 1996