Chondrolysis is the progressive destruction of articular cartilage resulting in joint space narrowing and stiffness. It can be caused by infection, trauma, following slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), or idiopathically. In SCFE cases, chondrolysis risk is higher with osteotomy or casting versus percutaneous pinning. The accepted theory is that chondrolysis results from an autoimmune response in genetically susceptible individuals. Treatment involves supportive care, identifying potential causes like pin penetration, and surgery like traction or hip replacement for severe cases.

2.  Chondrolysis represents a process characterized
by progressive destruction of articular cartilage
resulting in secondary joint space narrowing and
stiffness

3.  Infection (Most common)
 Trauma
 Idiopathic

4.  Following SCFE
 Metallic penetration of the joint.
 Its more severe if the pins are left in the place
after penetration,
 ? Initiation of autoimmune response to cartilage
following pin penetration.

5.  It is found to be more frequent in severe slips and
those treated by osteotomy or cast

6. Characterized by an acute form of rapidly
progressive chondrolysis occurring most
frequently during adolescence with
isolated involvement of the hip joint, but
without a demonstrable cause.

7.  Failure of nutrition of articular cartilage due to a
paucity or complete lack of production of synovial
fluid.
 Elevations of serum immunoglobulins and C 3
components.
 Abnormal intracapsular pressure

8. The most accepted theory is that
proposed by Golding in 1973, which
postulated articular cartilage resorption to
be secondary to an autoimmune response
in genetically susceptible individuals

9.  Initial stages the synovium is thickened, with
large, boggy villous progections
 Later synovial membrane undergoes fibrotic
changes,the capsule is thickened.

10.  The amount of functioning synovium progrssively
decreased.
 Lusterless cartilage with irregular thinning,
fibrillation and fragmentation
 In chronic stages the articular cartilage is
completely destroyed

11.  In case of SCFE-As low as 1.5 percent in patient
who are treated with percutaneous pinning and
 As high as 50 % in patients treated with hip spica.

12.  Females are more commonly affected than
males.
 Blacks persons are affected more commonly than
any other race.

13.  Adolescent girl average of 12.5 years (idiopathic).
 Insidious onset of pain in anterior or medial side of
affected hip associated with joint stiffness and
limp.
 Patient is afebrile (in idiopathic type.)

14.  Restriction of motion in all planes with associated
muscle spasm
 Contracture about the joint; most commonly, fixed
flexion, abduction and external rotation

15.  Hallmark is narrowing of the joint space from
normal 3-5 mm to values <3 mm.
 Associated osteopenia of the periarticular osseous
structures
 Irregular blurring of subchondral sclerotic lines
 Enlargement of the fovea capitis femori

16.  With time, can develop mild coxa magna and
femoral neck widening and frequently a premature
closure of the proximal femoral physis and
trochanteric apophysis
 Limited area of periosteal new bone formation
along inferior femoral neck

17.  Arthrography - help document cartilage resorption
and joint space narrowing
 Bone scan shows increased uptake
 CT Pelvis - document subchondral bone changes,
cartilage resorption, and narrowing of joint space

18.  Tubercular synovitis
 Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: There is an
extended period of time with symptoms prior to
chondrolysis. Rarely see restrictions in range of
motion as that seen with Idiopathic Chondrolysis.

19.  Seronegative spondyloarthropathy: You will see
additional joint involvement.
 Pigmented villonodular synovitis: Has a more
chronic and prolonged course. Usual findings
include cystic erosions in subchondral bone and a
bloody aspirate

20.  Supportive and non specific
 Look for pin penetration or e/o low grade infection.
 ROM exercises and anti inflammatory drugs.

21.  Traction, muscle releases, capsulotomy have
been described for idiopathic condrolysis.
 Patient who continue to have severe pain and
restricted ROM, THR can be done.