Knee Ultrasound: Articular Cartilage Pathologies (Chondromalacia, OCD, Chondrocalcinosis)

Описание: This video demonstrates ultrasound evaluation of articular cartilage pathology in the knee joint, including:

Chondromalacia (Grades I to IV)

Chondrocalcinosis

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

Advanced degenerative cartilage loss

Subchondral bone irregularity

Indirect ultrasound signs of osteoarthritis

The examination is performed using high-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound in routine orthopedic clinical practice.

Ultrasound allows dynamic, real-time assessment of femoral condylar cartilage, trochlear groove cartilage, and weight-bearing surfaces of the knee. Proper probe alignment and recognition of anisotropy artifacts are essential for accurate interpretation.

What is shown in this video?

Normal cartilage appearance in adult and pediatric knees

Cartilage thickness assessment, approximately 2 millimeters in adults

Grade I chondromalacia - softening, thickening, increased echogenicity

Grade II - partial-thickness defects less than 50 percent

Grade III - cartilage thinning greater than 50 percent

Grade IV - complete cartilage loss with subchondral irregularity

Osteophyte formation in advanced osteoarthritis

Chondrocalcinosis - intracartilaginous calcifications

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in longitudinal and transverse planes

This presentation emphasizes ultrasound pattern recognition, clinical correlation, and practical diagnostic pitfalls.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) - Scientific Background

OCD predominantly affects the medial femoral condyle and is frequently observed in young athletes. Early detection is essential to prevent progression to osteoarthritis.

Related peer-reviewed publications:

Sport-Specific Risks of Osteochondritis Dissecans Across Athletic Disciplines: A Narrative Review
Pobozy T. et al., Healthcare, 2025
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare131...

Understanding Osteochondritis Dissecans: A Narrative Review of the Disease Commonly Affecting Children and Adolescents
Konarski W., Pobozy T. et al., Children (Basel), 2024
https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040498

A Comparative Analysis of Osteochondritis Dissecans and Avascular Necrosis: A Comprehensive Review
Konarski W., Pobozy T. et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13010287

Basic Differences and Most Common Findings in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Children
Pobozy T. et al., Healthcare, 2022
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare101...

These publications provide deeper insight into epidemiology, sport-specific risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment strategies in OCD and related cartilage disorders.

Who is this video for?

Orthopedic surgeons

Sports medicine physicians

Musculoskeletal radiologists

Physiotherapists

Medical students

MSK ultrasound trainees

This material is educational and does not replace clinical examination, MRI, or radiographic imaging when indicated.

Equipment

The examination was performed using:

Alpinion eCube XC90 Elite
High-frequency single crystal linear transducer (3 to 19 MHz)

High-resolution imaging allows detailed assessment of cartilage morphology and subchondral bone interface.

Further MSK Ultrasound Content

Explore the full MSK Ultrasound Clinical Orthopedic Cases playlist for:

Meniscal pathology

Ligament injuries

Dynamic knee examination

Baker's cyst

Pediatric MSK ultrasound

Degenerative joint disease

Accurate cartilage evaluation requires experience, optimal probe positioning, and integration of clinical findings.

Thank you for watching.

Tomasz Pobozy, MD, PhD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

#KneeUltrasound
#Chondromalacia
#OsteochondritisDissecans
#MSKultrasound
#CartilageDamage

00:00 Normal Articular Cartilage - Introduction
00:18 Normal Cartilage - Trochlear Groove Transverse
01:07 Normal Cartilage - Medial and Lateral Femoral Condyles Anterior
01:29 Normal Cartilage - Medial Femoral Condyle Posterior
01:51 Normal Cartilage - Lateral Femoral Condyle Posterior
02:11 Thick but Normal Cartilage in Children - Trochlear Groove
02:32 Thick but Normal Cartilage in Children - Femoral Condyles
02:51 Chondromalacia Grade I to II - Trochlear Groove
03:18 Chondromalacia Grade II - Surface Irregularity
03:35 Probe Angle Artifact vs True Cartilage Damage
04:15 Chondromalacia Grade II to III vs Grade IV - Comparative View
04:46 Advanced Chondromalacia - Grade III to IV
05:00 Extensive Grade IV Cartilage Loss and Osteophyte
05:20 Chondrocalcinosis - Intracartilaginous Calcifications
05:38 Indirect Signs of Advanced Degeneration - Medial Compartment
06:17 Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD - Longitudinal View
06:49 Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD - Transverse View
06:59 Diagnostic Pitfalls in OCD
07:15 Clinical Interpretation and Final Remarks