What condition describes the wearing away of the cartilage on the posterior patella?

The condition that describes the wearing away of the cartilage on the posterior patella is known as chondromalacia. This term specifically refers to the softening or damage of the cartilage at the back of the kneecap, which can lead to pain and difficulty in movement. Chondromalacia often arises from overuse, injury, or misalignment of the knee joint, and it is particularly common among athletes or those engaged in activities that put stress on the knee.

In contrast, osteoarthritis involves the degradation of joint cartilage and adjacent bone, but it is a broader condition affecting the entire joint rather than specifically targeting the cartilage of the patella. Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper's knee, pertains to the inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, not the cartilage itself. A meniscus tear involves damage to the cartilage in the knee joint but is not localized to the patella, as it occurs in a different part of the knee structure.