Which condition indicates degeneration of cartilage cells?

Chondrolysis is the correct answer, as it specifically refers to the degeneration or breakdown of cartilage cells. This condition usually occurs due to factors such as trauma, inflammation, or lack of blood supply to the cartilage. When cartilage cells degenerate, the structural integrity of joints can be compromised, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

In contrast, chondromalacia denotes the softening or damage of the cartilage, particularly in weight-bearing joints, and is often considered a precursor to more significant cartilage degeneration, such as that seen in chondrolysis. Chondroporosis, while similar in name, is not a commonly recognized term in orthopedics and is likely a misinterpretation of conditions related to cartilage health. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a degenerative joint disease that involves the progressive wear and tear of articular cartilage but is not solely characterized by degeneration of cartilage cells; it also involves changes in underlying bone and adjacent soft tissues.

Thus, chondrolysis is distinct in its focus on the degeneration aspect of cartilage cells, making it the correct answer.