Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Left Knee without Intravenous Contrast TECHNIQUE: Multi-planar, multi-sequence MR imaging of the left knee was performed on a high-field scanner without the administration of intravenous contrast. Sequences include Coronal (T1, PD fat-sat), Sagittal (T1, T2, PD fat-sat), and Axial (PD fat-sat). FINDINGS: Patellofemoral Joint and Extensor Mechanism: A well-defined focal osseous lesion is identified within the subchondral region of the medial articular facet of the patella, measuring approximately 13 x 10 x 9 mm (AP x TR x CC). The lesion demonstrates low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and predominantly low signal on T2-weighted images, with faint central and punctate foci of high T2 signal, characteristic of a chondroid matrix. On PD-weighted sequences, the lesion remains predominantly low signal with a subtle high-signal rim/margin likely representing subtle reactive subchondral bone marrow edema. The distal quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, and medial/lateral patellar retinacula are intact. Menisci: • Medial Meniscus: There is linear, horizontal intrasubstance signal alteration within the posterior horn that does not unequivocally intersect the superior or inferior articular surfaces, consistent with mucinoid/myxoid degeneration (Grade II signal). No definite tear. • Lateral Meniscus: Mild thinning and stretching of the anterior horn is noted. No abnormal signal reaching the articular surface to suggest a meniscal tear. Ligaments: • Cruciate Ligaments: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) demonstrates mild intrasubstance signal alteration with preserved fiber continuity and normal orientation, suggestive of a low-grade sprain or mucoid degeneration. • The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is intact and maintains a normal dark signal and contour. • Collateral Ligaments: The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complexes are intact and unremarkable. Joint Space and Soft Tissues: There is a mild knee joint effusion extending into the posteromedial capsular recess. No evidence of a popliteal (Baker's) cyst. Hoffa's fat pad is unremarkable. Bones and Articular Cartilage: Aside from the previously described patellar lesion, the remainder of the visualized regional bone marrow signal is preserved. No acute fracture or other focal osseous lesions are identified. The tibiofemoral articular cartilage is grossly maintained. IMPRESSION: 1. Focal Patellar Lesion: A 13 x 10 x 9 mm well-defined subchondral osseous lesion at the medial articular facet of the patella demonstrating features of a chondroid matrix with subtle surrounding reactive bone marrow edema. 2. Cruciate Ligaments: Mild intrasubstance signal within an intact ACL, representing a low-grade sprain or mucoid degeneration. 3. Menisci: Intrasubstance mucinoid degeneration (Grade II signal) of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. No definite meniscal tear. 4. Joint: Mild left knee joint effusion. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: � Enchondroma with mechanical stress � Chondroblastoma � Osteochondral Lesion. Give a Treatment therapy briefly according to this report

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IMPRESSION: 1. Focal Patellar Lesion: A 13 x 10 x 9 mm well-defined subchondral osseous lesion at the medial articular facet of the patella demonstrating features of a chondroid matrix with subtle surrounding reactive bone marrow edema. 2. Cruciate Ligaments: Mild intrasubstance signal within an intact ACL, representing a low-grade sprain or mucoid degeneration. 3. Menisci: Intrasubstance mucinoid degeneration (Grade II signal) of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. No definite meniscal tear. 4. Joint: Mild left knee joint effusion. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: � Enchondroma with mechanical stress � Chondroblastoma � Osteochondral Lesion. This report is 30 years old male left knee MRI without contrast

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patellar chondroblastoma OR enchondroma treatment curettage bone graft outcomes

Treatment plan for a 30-year-old man with these left knee MRI findings
This plan is based on the report alone. Management depends on his symptoms, which the report doesn't give, and on a tissue diagnosis.
1. Patellar lesion (13 mm, chondroid matrix, subchondral, medial facet)
This is the finding that drives the plan.
  • Next step is work-up. Get a plain knee X-ray (skyline and lateral views) and a CT of the patella. CT shows the matrix calcification and any cortical breach. Chondroblastoma is typically a lucent epiphyseal lesion with a sclerotic rim. Enchondroma shows ring-and-arc calcification. Consider a bone scan or bone-tumour MRI protocol if the picture stays unclear. Refer to an orthopaedic oncologist. Don't biopsy or curette without that referral.
  • If it is an incidental, painless enchondroma: Observe. Miller's Review of Orthopaedics says most enchondromas need only observation, and surgery is for an unclear pain source or patient anxiety (Miller's Review of Orthopaedics 9th Ed, "Enchondroma"). Schwartz's advises annual X-rays for 2 years for asymptomatic lesions with no fracture risk (Schwartz's Principles of Surgery 11th Ed, "Benign Bone Tumors"). Repeat MRI at about 6 months to confirm it is stable.
  • If it is symptomatic (pain with activity or at night) or looks like chondroblastoma: Treat surgically. This means intralesional curettage with bone grafting or cement. An adjuvant such as phenol, cryotherapy or high-speed burring is optional, and so is arthroscopic assistance for a subchondral patellar lesion. Recurrence after curettage is under 10% in the sources I found. A 2023 series reported 7.3% local recurrence, and 17.4% of patients developed adjacent osteoarthritis (Muratori 2023). Campbell's also lists curettage for chondroblastoma (Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics 15th Ed, "Chondroblastoma").
  • Needs urgent review: Rest pain, rapid growth, cortical destruction, a soft-tissue mass or a pathological fracture. These raise concern for a more aggressive lesion, such as low-grade chondrosarcoma, chondroblastic osteosarcoma, or chondroblastoma with a secondary aneurysmal bone cyst. These patellar tumours are rare and easily misdiagnosed (case report).
  • If it is an osteochondral lesion: Treat conservatively first, with activity modification and protected loading. Offer surgery if it is unstable or symptoms persist.
  • Until the diagnosis is clear: Avoid impact loading, deep squats and jumping, which stress the patella.
2. ACL (mild intrasubstance signal, intact fibres)
  • This is likely a low-grade sprain or mucoid degeneration, so surgery is not needed.
  • Check for instability with Lachman, pivot shift and anterior drawer tests.
  • Treat with physiotherapy: quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, core and balance work, and a gradual return to sport.
3. Medial meniscus (grade II posterior horn signal, no tear)
  • Treat conservatively.
  • Use activity modification and short-term analgesia. NSAIDs (for example ibuprofen or naproxen) or topical NSAIDs are options, taken as directed.
  • Avoid deep squatting and twisting while symptomatic.
  • No surgery is needed unless mechanical symptoms (locking, catching) appear.
4. Mild effusion
  • Use RICE: relative rest, ice 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, compression and elevation.
  • Take NSAIDs as above, if tolerated.
  • Do physiotherapy for range of motion and quadriceps activation.
  • If the effusion is persistent or recurrent, consider aspiration.
5. Follow-up
  • Review within 2 to 4 weeks with X-ray and CT results and an oncology opinion.
  • Repeat MRI in about 3 to 6 months if the lesion is managed by observation, or sooner if symptoms change.
Evidence check: My PubMed search found no recent systematic review or meta-analysis that changes this plan. The patellar chondroblastoma literature is mostly case reports. The treatment figures above come from retrospective series, so the evidence is low-grade.
This is general information, not a substitute for a clinician's assessment of the patient. The final plan should come from the treating orthopaedic surgeon, with an orthopaedic oncologist consulted on the patellar lesion.
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