Articular Cartilage Defect / Chondral Lesion
Hole in the Knee Cartilage
Focal loss of articular cartilage on the femoral condyle, tibial plateau, or patella. Caused by acute trauma (osteochondral fracture from patellar dislocation, ACL injury) or chronic overload. Outerbridge classification: Grade I (softening), II (fibrillation <1.5cm), III (fissuring to subchondral bone >1.5cm), IV (exposed subchondral bone). Does NOT heal spontaneously if full-thickness.
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