Thermography in the detection and follow up of chondromalacia patellae
Article Abstract:
With the technique of infrared thermography, the temperature distribution over a surface caused by tissue emission of infrared radiation can be recorded. Infrared rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, as are ultraviolet rays, visible light, X-rays, and radio waves. In chondromalacia patellae, the cartilage of the patella (kneecap) undergoes fissuring, fibrillation (formation of fibrils or small fibers), and erosion. The cause is unknown, and the extent of pain does not correlate with extent of degeneration, as extensive erosion may be accompanied by no symptoms whatsoever. The disorder may result from several conditions that affect the knee. Although diagnostic criteria have been widely accepted, chondromalacia patellae can easily be under- or over-diagnosed. A preliminary study using thermography suggested that cooling in the patellar area occurred in patients with chondromalacia. To better understand the diagnostic usefulness of infrared thermography, the technique was used to evaluate 157 patients who were diagnosed with chondromalacia patellae according to symptoms, 86 patients who had been surgically treated for the disorder, and 308 healthy control subjects. Normal thermograms were obtained in 20 patients, could not be assessed in nine patients because of varicose veins or other problems, and had signs indicative of chondromalacia in 111 patients, while other diseases were found in 16 patients. Abnormal thermograms were found in 14 randomly selected patients with symptoms who then had surgery, and three patients without symptoms also had abnormal thermograms. Studies of healthy subjects showed that thermograms similar to those of patients with chondromalacia were common with increasing age, having a prevalence of 10 percent in those up to 24 years old and occurring in 35 percent of those aged 45 to 54. The study suggests that thermography is helpful, but not sufficient, in diagnosis of chondromalacia patellae, and can help to identify the presence of other disorders that resemble chondromalacia. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1991
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Proteoglycan depletion and size reduction in lesions of early grade chondromalacia of the patella
Article Abstract:
There may be an association between the progressive loss of proteoglycans (PGs) in knee cartilage and the softening of the knee cartilage in patients with chondromalacia (CM). Proteoglycans are protein and sugar compounds that play an integral role in maintaining cartilage firmness. Researchers analyzed the PG content in cartilage samples taken from the knees of 77 patients with CM and from 10 cadavers (the controls). They removed 10 of the 77 CM samples and the control samples by open surgery and the other 67 graded samples (grades II-IV) by a fiberoptic procedure. The PG levels were 15% lower in the 10 surgically removed samples as compared to the controls. PG levels decreased as the severity of the disease increased in the graded samples.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Soft tissue mass around the shoulder
Article Abstract:
A 47-year-old women developed a painful swelling over her shoulder, and minor swelling in her hand. Her blood tests revealed the presence of rheumatoid factor, and a number of imaging tests were conducted. The x-ray revealed a soft tissue mass, suggestive of a variety of tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of the joint capsule, consistent with several joint disorders. At surgery, multiple rice bodies were removed from the bursa of the joint. These particles of fibrin, common in rheumatoid arthritis, can inflame the joint and may induce an immune reaction.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1998
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