Chondromalacia is a disorder of the cartilage at the back of the kneecap. The cartilage, normally shiny and smooth, softens and roughens, and splits may develop in the cartilage. These changes are similar to the changes that occur to cartilage when osteoarthritis develops. Some people say chondromalacia is part of a spectrum. At the other end of the spectrum is osteoarthritis. Causes Chondromalacia can result from many situations w...