C

Chondral

The word 'chondral' means 'of cartilage', usually inferring joint cartilage.

Chondral defect

A chondral defect is an abnormal crater in the cartilage covering of a joint. Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Chondritis

Chondritis is a general term which means 'inflammation of the cartilage joint surface'.

Chondrocyte

A chondrocyte is a cartilage cell.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin (chondroitin sulphate) is a chemical substance which is widely taken by arthritics to slow joint cartilage breakdown. Page updated January 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia means 'softening of the gristle or joint cartilage' and usually refers to the kneecap (patella). The softening can be felt with a blunt probe during surgery. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Chondropaenia

Chondropaenia is the process of joint (articular) cartilage loss over time.

Chondroplasty

Chondroplasty means 'reshaping the cartilage surface' of the joint.

Chondrosis

Chondrosis means that some abnormal process is going on in the articular cartilage.

Chronic

Chronic implies that something is an old problem, of long duration.