Chondromalacia patellae (also known as CMP) is inflammation of the underside of the patella and softening of the cartilage. Chondromalacia patellae is a term sometimes treated synonymously with patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, there is general consensus that patellofemoral pain syndrome is a term that applies only to individuals without cartilage damage, thereby distinguishing it from chondromalacia patellae, a condition characterized by softening of the patellar articular cartilage.