The Outerbridge classification is a grading system for joint cartilage breakdown in the knee.
Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Normal joint cartilage of femur (below) and patella (above) in the knee joint. Grade 0 on the Outerbridge scale
Grade I - softening of the patellar cartilage, which can be dimpled with a rounded probe.
Grade III damage of the patella on the same grading system. The patellar cartilage has become fibrillated and note that the tibia is showing exposed yellowish bone, which would be a grade IV.
Grading joint cartilage damage (Outerbridge)
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Quote from peer-reviewed paper:
"....The system is largely used to facilitate communication between surgeons....[It ]....is also important for surgical planning and patient education...."
Citation: Slattery C, Kweon CY. Classifications in Brief: Outerbridge Classification of Chondral Lesions. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2018 Oct;476(10):2101-2104. doi: 10.1007/s11999.0000000000000255. PMID: 29533246; PMCID: PMC6259817.
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