Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Medium
Chondromalacia
Meaning: Softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, causing anterior knee pain.
In practice: Arthroscopy revealed chondromalacia patellae in the young runner with front-of-knee pain.
Word parts
- chondro- means cartilage
- -malacia means softening
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related orthopaedics words.
Which word means: Age-related degeneration of the spine, with disc narrowing and osteophyte formation.
Answer: Spondylosis
Which word means: A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tendons, muscles and bones around a joint.
Answer: Bursa
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