- Discussion:
- pins penetration of joint is a leading cause of chondrolysis;
- penetration by a single screw (which is immediately removed) has a low incidence of chondrolysis;
- if chondrolysis or AVN develops, early osteoarthritis is more likely;
- some pts w/ chondrolysis may have partial reappearance of joint cartilage;
- Radiographs:
- look for a progressive irregularity of subcondral bone;
- Treatment of Chondrolysis:
- traction for flexion contractures & range of motion exercises;
- after the initial loss of articular cartilage , there may be a gradual improvement in joint space, and hip movement may improve slightly
Traction reduction of acute and acute-on-chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis