The general term for softening of the bones is osteomalacia. It is usually caused by a depletion in calcium or phosphorous reserves in the bone. It can cause them to become flexible and brittle. It can also be called rickets when it occurs in children. Osteoporosis is different; it involves decreased bone mass, but not softening.
The word comes from the Latin 'osteo' meaning to do with bones and the Greek word 'malakia' which means softness.
osteoporosis
"Patella" is another name for the kneecap. "Patellar" means pertaining to the kneecap.
Chondromalacia means the abnormal softening of cartilage.
chondromalacia - chondro meaning cartilage ; malacia meaning softening
chondromalacia
You might say something like "inferior" or "distal" to the patella, the medical name for kneecap. You migh also use the word inferopatellar, infrapatellar, or subpatellar.
Patellar chondromalacia is the medical term meaning abnormal softening of the knee cartilage.
chondromalacia
Chondromalacia patella
Kneecap is patella, upper leg bone is femur, and the term meaning pertaining to the kneecap and upper leg bone is patellofemoral.
Kneecap removal, or patellectomy, is the surgical removal of the patella, commonly called the kneecap.
"Patella" is another name for the kneecap. "Patellar" means pertaining to the kneecap.
Chondromalacia patella
Patellofemoral is the term meaning related to the kneecap and upper leg bone.
Inferior is the medical term meaning below; the medical terminology combining form is infra-.
Submandibular is the medical term meaning below the lower jaw, or mandible.
"Patella" is the medical term for kneecap.
The patella is the anatomical name for the "kneecap", which is the moveable bone on the front (anterior) of the knee.
Deep is the medical term meaning far from the surface.
Sub- is the prefix of the term subdermal, meaning below the skin.
infrapulmonary