Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic, Memphis, USA.
Chondrolysis, or acute cartilage necrosis, is a controversial and perplexing complication of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in adolescents. It usually leads to deformity, pain, limping, and limitation of motion in the affected extremity. Although several theories have been proposed, no agreement has been reached as to the etiology or the pathogenesis of chondrolysis. Furthermore, no treatment program has been completely successful, and the general prognosis and natural history of this condition are not clear. An overview of the latest knowledge of the matter is presented.