Abstract
We examined the characteristics of the articular cartilage surface layer lesions in 129 knee observed at arthroscopy. Exfoliation of the membranous tissue in the articural surface was noted in 51 of 129 knees (65 lesions). The site was the patellofemoral joint in 43 lesions and the femorotibial joint in 22 lesions. Two types of morphology, mop-like exfoliation (43 lesions) and flap-like exfoliation (22 lesions) were observed. Mop-like exfoliation was noted on the articular surface of the patella in 38 of 43 lesions (88.3%), and flap-like exfoliation was recognized in the femorotibial joint in 17 of 22 lesions (77.2%). Flap-like exfoliation of the membranous tissue was closely associated with the primary disease regarding the site, and mop-like exfoliation was noted mostly in the articular surface of the patella.
