REHABILITATION OF KNEE MENISCUS INJURY WITH ASSOCIATED MALACIA OF THE PATELLA

Degenerative changes in the articular cartilage of the patella probably occur earlier and more constantly than in almost any other joint surface. The incidence of the degenerative change and the time of its onset may vary a great deal. However, probably by the age of 30 years everyone is affected to some degree. Bennett and co-workers1have demonstrated that after 15 years of age every person may show some evidence of degeneration in the knee joint and that the superficial articular cartilage layer of the patella is the area of earliest change. In addition to the normal degenerative changes injury, particularly through athletics, is a major factor in the incidence of malacia of the patella. I have reviewed 294 arthrotomies performed on athletes and have attempted to evaluate the effect of associated chondromalacia of the patella. All of these operative procedures were performed by me and the conclusions represent