Summary
Degenerative changes in load-bearing joints are often combined with altered intramedullary circulation. This may cause an alteration in intramedullary pressures. It has been said that articular symptoms are connected with a change in intramedullary pressures being high they are suspected to cause pain.
In this investigation the intramedullary pressure has been evaluated in chondromalacia and osteoarthrosis of the patella. A comparison has been made with normal patellae.
A biopsy needle was drilled into the intramedullary bone of the patella and connected with a registering unit.
In a control group an average value of 19 mm Hg was registered. In the condromalacia group the mean intramedullary pressure was 44 mm Hg and in osteoarthrosis 37 mm Hg.
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Björkström, S., Goldie, I.F. & Wetterqvist, H. Intramedullary pressure of the patella in chondromalacia. Arch. Orth. Traum. Surg. 97, 81–85 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00450927
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00450927