Cartilage softening & destruction
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Cartilage (the 'gristle') softening is called 'chondromalacia'. This may progress to cracks, blisters and breakdown of the cartilage.
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Medial compartment arthritis
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When cartilage destruction on the inner aspect of the knee joint progresses to involve the underlying bone leading to pain (especially gnawing at night), swelling of the joint, outward thrusting of the joint while walking, and bow-leggedness.
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Lateral compartment arthritis
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The same but the destruction is on the outer side of the joint, and the tendency is for the knee to become knock-kneed.
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Patello-femoral arthritis
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Cartilage destruction in the joint between patella and femur may lead to stress on the underlying bone and severe pain.
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Bone contusion
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A blow on the knee or a fall may bruise the bone and fracture the cartilage.
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Osteochondral defect
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A blow on the knee might dislodge a chunk of cartilage and underlying bone, leaving a crater. The free bit may float around in the joint cavity as a 'loose body'.
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