Assessing the Effect of Different Grades of Chondromalacia on Static and Dynamic Balance Using Biodex Balance System

Chondromalacia patellae is a very common disorder which is characterized by softening, swelling, fraying, fissuring, and erosion of hyaline cartilage overlying the patella. Patellar chondromalacia could be observed as a cause of patellofemoral pain, as well as in patients with osteoarthritis, in patients with knee trauma, or even in asymptomatic patients.

Balance, as an essential function in human daily life and activities, can be defined as central nervous system input. Postural control can be divided into static balance and dynamic balance; static balance controls the oscillation amplitude of the body, and dynamic balance uses the body's internal and external information to analyze factors that influence the stability of interference (Such as walking, pushing and pulling),and to maintain postural control. The perfect combination of static and dynamic balance is key to normal activities of the human daily life.

100 patients, 80 with different grades of chondromalacia (Grade I, II, III, IV) with 20 participants in each group and 20 healthy participants in the control group will be recruited for the study to assess the effect of different chondromalacia grades on static and dynamic balance.