Rapid chondrolysis of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a case report.

摘要

Chondrolysis is a devastating complication of surgery on any joint, resulting in the rapid and extensive destruction of the articular cartilage. Associated with this destruction is an equally large inflammatory response that causes adhesions in the lining of the involved joint. The inflammatory response manifests as arthrofibrosis and is typically seen within six months after the operation. Management of this unique complication is difficult because most patients are very young and have active lifestyles. Chondrolysis causes more immediate symptoms of pain and limited range of motion than does osteo-arthritis, which often takes years to become symptomatic.