Sagittal hemipatellectomy in the treatment of chondromalacia patellae.

A study of the preoperative assessment, surgical technique and follow-up in 17 surgical procedures (16 patients) indicates that sagital hemipatellectomy is an acceptable alternative form of surgical treatment in patients with chronic painful chondromalacia patellae. The study series comprised 16 patient (mean age, 21 years) in whom the duration of symptoms averaged 5 years, 2 months. In all patients the procedure relieved the pain and permitted a return to their accustomed work and exercise routine within 3 to 6 months after operation. The duration of follow-up is still too short to permit evaluation of possible late complications of this procedure.