Patellar Chondrosis

[Norris11]

Hello... I'm 30 years old and have been diagnosed with "Moderate patellar chondrosis with deep cartilage fissuring, surface irregularity and subchondral marrow changes especially involving the inferior aspect".  I also have "patella alta".

I have always been active and now cannot even run due to the pain.  After receiving an MRI and consultation I was basically told there is nothing that can be done and to take an anti inflammatory for the pain.  I can't believe I have arthritis at such a young age.  Is there anything I can do? PRP injection perhaps?  

[Tubalady]

A related discussion, Patellofemoral chondroses with kissing lesion was started.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

First,"Moderate patellar chondrosis with deep cartilage fissuring, surface irregularity and subchondral marrow changes especially involving the inferior aspect" is not a diagnosis; it is an MRI report.  What you have is known as either anterior knee pain syndrome, or patella femoral syndrome.  In the past, it was called "runner's knee"
Although there are some dr.s that might threat this with PRP injections, there is no physiologic reasoning to support this course of treatment. I should state that I am a huge advocate of PRP therapy, but just not in this case.  
Patella femoral syndrome is usually responsive to physical therapy and bracing.  Other adjunctive therapy that is helpful can be arch supports, hyluronate injections, and even acupuncture.
If conservative management is unsuccessful, there are several surgical procedures that are available.