New and really worried about this MRI result..

[haljas]

I am new and was wondering if someone could help me understand this MRI result.

It states that there is a prominent area of altered signal involving the lateral femoral condyle anteriorly that measures approximently 2.5cm, there is a slightly less prominent findings involving the lateral femoral condyle somewhat inferiorly and posteriorly.

There is mild increased signal at the insertion of the patellar tendon upon the anterior tibial tuberosity and there may be some mild increased signal within the tendon adjacent to its insertion.

The impression:
There are a prominent osteochondral lesions involving the lateral femoral condyle.

Could someone tell me in "regular" terms what the heck is going on??? I was told that it appears that the patella is quite high and not in the correct position, with arthritis under the patella.

Thanks,

Any response would be great.
Haljas
Please I have posted 2 days ago and not one person has offered any advise. Any help would be great..

[amoler]

Kind of sounds like you're missing or maybe have damage to a fairly good chunk of the articular cartilage at the bottom end of the femur. I'm really not sure if increased sugnal translates to tear or maybe it's inflammation.  Just my two cents. Sometimes they actually say chrondromalacia when they mean damage under the patella. That desciption is more obscure than usual. Ask the doc lots of questions

[haljas]

Amoler,
Thanks I was starting to feel like there was noone on here..lol....I am waiting to hear back from othro..
Thanks
Haljas

[Brambledog]

Hi Haljas,

I know what you mean - I joined a few days ago and am trying to get responses. It just helps to not feel so alone with the worry and the headload of questions spinning in your head! Keep plugging away, and reply to other threads if they strike a chord - sometimes I think new threads take a while to get a response.

I was diagnosed with advanced patellofemoral arthritis 2 days ago and am still trying to get my head round it. It is basically a lot of damage under my patella, and treatments seem to be limited. Hope you get some answers soon.

Good luck! 

[emergRN]

Welcome to KG haljas and Brambledog. 

I am going to echo another KG'er here!  Be patient when you post a new question.  The summer is slower on here than other times of year.  This is a forum for people with knee problems, but most people are not medical professionals.  The right person with insight to your particular problem has to read your post.

Just a few tips.
1. Be sure to post your question on the most appropriate board.
2. Don't post the same question on multiple boards...again be patient!
3. When posting on other people's threads, you may want to look at the date of the last posting.  It may not have been active for a long time.

I am sure you will get feed back on your questions, it just takes a little time.  Remember though, that when it comes to interpretation of MRI results and the sort, you may want to direct some of this to your physician. 

Good Luck

W

[Brambledog]

Hi emergRN,
Thanks for the advice, will try to be patient...

[Sam123]

sorry halja,
I would post but I don't know much. I am not kneegeek just a newbie

[haljas]

Sam123,emerRN and brambledog,

I appreciate your kind words..and any input really.....it is extremly nice to know that WE are NOT alone...  

I can understand your point about being patient, sometimes it is hard tho, I will admitt and I DO understand that everyone here are not medical specialist and we are all here to help if we have experience in the area at hand.......At least I am a little further ahead with my eduation  than I was 2 weeks ago....Research is great.....

Thanks again for all and happy posting.....

  Haljas

[Brambledog]

Good to see you with a grin now! It's amazing how fast us newbies learn about the knee...