scholarly journals Association of patellofemoral morphology and alignment with the radiographic severity of patellofemoral osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yike Dai ◽  
Heyong Yin ◽  
Chongyang Xu ◽  
Hongrui Zhang ◽  
Ai Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Type I ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Patella Height ◽  
Radiographic Severity ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Radiographic Grade

Abstract Background Risk factors for the severity of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) are poorly understood. This research aims to evaluate the association between patellofemoral joint (PFJ) morphology and alignment with the radiographic severity of PFOA. Methods A retrospective analysis of CT scan and lateral radiograph data were acquired in patients with PFOA. The radiographic grade of PFOA and tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA), lateral and medial trochlear inclination angle, sulcus angle, and the Wiberg classification of patella morphology, the congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and lateral patellar angles, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and patella height (i.e., Caton-Deschamps index) were assessed using CT scans and sagittal radiographs of the knee. All the PFJ morphology and alignment data were divided into quarters, and the relationships between each of these measures and the severity of PFOA were investigated. Results By studying 150 patients with PFOA, we found a U-shaped relationship between the Caton-Deschamps index and the severity of PFOA (P < 0.001). A lower value of sulcus angle and lateral patellar angle, a higher value of congruence angle, and type III patella were associated with more severity of lateral PFOA. Compared with the highest quarter of each measure, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the severity of PFOA in the lowest quarter of sulcus angle, lateral patellar angle, and congruence angle; and type I patella was 8.80 (p = 0.043), 16.51 (P < 0.001), 0.04 (P < 0.001), and 0.18 (p = 0.048) respectively. Conclusions Extreme value of patella height, a higher value of lateral patellar displacement and lateral patellar tilt, lower value of sulcus angle, and type III patella were associated with more severity of PFOA.

Association of Patellofemoral Morphology and Alignment With the Radiographic Severity of Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yike Dai ◽  
Heyong Yin ◽  
Chongyang Xu ◽  
Hongrui Zhang ◽  
Ai Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Type I ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Patella Height ◽  
Radiographic Severity ◽  
Type Iii

Abstract Background: Risk factors for the progression of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) are poorly understood. This research aims to evaluate the association between patellofemoral joint (PFJ) morphology and alignment with the radiographic severity of PFOA.Methods: A retrospective analysis of CT scan and lateral radiograph data were acquired in patients with PFOA. The radiographic severity of PFOA and tibiofemoral OA (TFOA), lateral and medial trochlear inclination angle, sulcus angle and the Wiberg classification of patella morphology, the congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and lateral patellar angles, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG), patella height (i.e., Caton-Deschamps index) were assessed using CT scans and sagittal radiographs of the knee. All the PFJ morphology and alignment data were divided into quarters and the relationship between each measure and the severity of PFOA was investigated.Results: By studying 150 patients with PFOA, we found a U-shaped relationship between the Caton-Deschamps index and the severity of PFOA (P <0.001). A lower value of sulcus angle and lateral patellar angle, a higher value of congruence angle, and type III patella were associated with more severity of lateral PFOA. Compared with the highest quarter of each measure, the adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the severity of PFOA in the lowest quarter of sulcus angle, lateral patellar angle, and congruence angle, and type I patella was 8.80 (p=0.043), 16.51 (P <0.001), 0.04(P <0.001), and 0.18 (p=0.048) respectively.Conclusions: Extreme value of patella height, a higher value of lateral patellar displacement and lateral patellar tilt, lower value of sulcus angle, and type III patella were associated with more severity of PFOA.

How Do Axial Scan Orientation Deviations Affect the Measurements of Knee Anatomical Parameters Associated with Patellofemoral Instability? A Simulated Computed Tomography Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (05) ◽  
pp. 425-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran Xiong ◽  
Cheng Chen ◽  
Li Yin ◽  
Xiaoyuan Gong ◽  
Jiangming Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Patellofemoral Instability ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Scan Data ◽  
Anatomical Parameters

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to detect the correlation between axial scan orientation discrepancy and the knee anatomical parameters associated with patellofemoral instability during computed tomography (CT) scanning. CT scan data of 16 knees from 16 healthy subjects were retrieved. The reslicing processes were performed to simulate different axial scan orientations generated due to leg adduction/abduction during CT scanning. Eight parameters (tibial tubercle to trochlear groove [TT-TG], tibial tubercle to posterior cruciate ligament [TT-PCL], patellar tilt, lateral trochlear inclination, sulcus angle, trochlear depth, trochlear facet asymmetry, and trochlear condyle asymmetry) of five angles (neutral zero, 4/8 degrees of adduction and 4/8 degrees abduction) were quantified. All eight parameters showed varying degrees of deviations to the different axial scan orientations. TT-TG, patellar tilt, lateral trochlear inclination, and trochlear condyle asymmetry were relatively sensitive to axial scan orientation changes, whereas TT-PCL, sulcus angle, trochlear depth, and trochlear facet asymmetry were relatively insensitive. Although the sensitivities are various, surgeons should be aware of this situation and make necessary corrections.

scholarly journals Increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove and patellar height indicate a higher risk of recurrent patellar dislocation following medial reefing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc-Daniel Ahrend ◽  
Tobias Eisenmann ◽  
Moritz Herbst ◽  
Boyko Gueorguiev ◽  
Gabriel Keller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Dislocation ◽  
Recurrent Dislocation ◽  
Patellar Height ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Recurrent Patellar Dislocation ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Patellar Shift

Abstract Purpose Identifying anatomical risk factors on recurrent dislocation after medial reefing is important for deciding surgical treatment. The present study aimed to retrospectively analyze the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based parameters of patients treated with medial reefing and whether these parameters lead to a higher risk of recurrent dislocation. Methods Fifty-five patients (18.6 ± 6.6 years) who underwent medial reefing after primary traumatic patellar dislocation (84% with medial patellofemoral ligament [MPFL] rupture) were included. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months postoperatively (3.8 ± 1.2 years) to assess the incidence of recurrent patellar dislocation. In patients without recurrent dislocation, the Kujala and subjective IKDC scores were assessed. Moreover, the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG), sulcus angle, patellar tilt, patellar shift, and lateral trochlea index (LTI) were measured. The patellar height was measured using the Caton-Dechamps (CDI), Blackburne-Peel (BPI), and Insall-Salvati index (ISI). The cohort was subclassified into two groups with and without recurrent dislocation. Differences between groups were analyzed with respect to the MRI parameters. Results Forty percent had a pathological sulcus angle of > 145°, 7.2% had an LTI of < 11°, 47.3% had a patellar tilt of > 20°, and 36.4% had a TT-TG of ≥ 16 mm. Increased patellar height was observed in 34.5, 65.5, and 34.5% of the patients as per CDI, BPI, and ISI, respectively. Nineteen (34.5%) patients suffered from recurrent dislocation. Compared with patients without recurrent dislocation, those with recurrent dislocation had a significantly lower LTI (p = 0.0467). All other parameters were not significantly different between the groups. Risk factor analysis showed higher odds ratios (OR > 2), although not statistically significant, for MPFL rupture (OR 2.05 [95% confidence interval 0.38–11.03], LTI (6.6 [0.6–68.1]), TT-TG (2.9 [0.9–9.2]), and patellar height according to ISI (2.3 [0.7–7.5]) and CDI (2.3 [0.7–7.5])). Patients without recurrent dislocation had a Kujala score of 93.7 ± 12.1 (42–100) points and an IKDC score of 90.6 ± 11.7 (55.2–100) points. Conclusion Anatomical, MRI-based parameters should be considered before indicating medial reefing. A ruptured MPFL, an LTI < 11°, a TT-TG ≥ 16 mm, a patellar tilt > 20 mm, and an increased patellar height according to ISI and CDI were found to be associated, although not significantly, with a higher risk (OR > 2) of recurrent patellar dislocation after medial reefing. Thorough preoperative analysis is crucial to reduce the risk of recurrent dislocation in young patient cohorts. Level of evidence Level IV

Bisect offset ratio and cartilaginous sulcus angle are good combined predictors of recurrent patellar dislocation in children and adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. jisakos-2020-000461
Author(s):  
Sheanna Maine ◽  
Christina Ngo-Nguyen ◽  
Martina Barzan ◽  
Chris Stockton ◽  
Luca Modenese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Dislocation ◽  
Trochlear Dysplasia ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Recurrent Patellar Dislocation ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Femoral Torsion ◽  
Sulcus Angle

ObjectivesRecurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) is found most commonly in the juvenile population. While risk factors have been well-established in adults, there remains a paucity in radiographical data to define normal and pathoanatomical juvenile cohorts. The objectives of this paper were to elucidate the differences in the patellofemoral joint between RPD and typically developed (TD) juvenile populations, using MRI measurements, and determine the best independent and combined predictors of RPD.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 RPD and 24 TD participants aged between 8 and 19 years. MR images were obtained to assess common measures of lower limb alignment, patellofemoral alignment, and trochlear dysplasia.ResultsSignificant differences were evident for acetabular inclination, tibial-femoral torsion, tibial tubercle-to-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, lateral patellar tilt (LPT), cartilaginous sulcus angle (CSA) and bisect offset ratio (BOR). CSA and BOR were included in the final predictive model, which correctly classified 89.4% of RPD cases.ConclusionRadiographical parameters that stratify risk of RPD in adults are also able to predict RPD in the pediatric population (TT-TG, LPT, CSA and BOR). Together, CSA and BOR accurately identified 89.4% of RPD. These measures should be included in the evaluation of pediatric patients who present with patellar dislocation.Level of evidenceLevel II.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Effect of the Sulcus Angle and Lateral to Medial Facet Ratio of the Patellar Groove on Patella Tracking in Aging Subjects with Stable Knee Joint

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Jianghui Qin ◽  
Dongyang Chen ◽  
Zhihong Xu ◽  
Dongquan Shi ◽  
Jin Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Lateral Displacement ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Lateral Tilt ◽  
Computed Tomography Images ◽  
Three Dimensional Models ◽  
Patella Tracking

Purpose.To determine whether the sulcus angle and the lateral to medial facet ratio correlate with patella lateral displacement and tilt in patients without patella instability.Methods.Computed tomography images of the lower limb of 64 patients without known arthropathy were collected. Three-dimensional models of the lower limb with a unified coordinate system were rebuilt by using Mimics software. The sulcus angle, lateral to medial facet ratio, lateral trochlear inclination of the patellar groove, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, bisect offset index, and lateral tilt of the patella were measured. Pearson’s correlation test was used to determine the relationship between the aforementioned parameters.Results.Data from 51 patients were analyzed. The sulcus angle was negatively correlated with lateral tilt inclination (p<0.001,r=0.8406) and positively correlated with the bisect offset index (p=0.003,r=0.634) and patellar tilt (p=0.03,r=0.551); the lateral to medial facet ratio was positively correlated with TT-TG distance (p=0.003,r=0.643) and bisect offset index (p=0.026,r=0.559).Conclusion.The sulcus angle and lateral to medial facet ratio of the patellar groove can influence patella tracking in patients with stable knee joints.

scholarly journals Patellar Kinematics, Part II: The Influence of the Depth of the Trochlear Groove in Subjects With and Without Patellofemoral Pain

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (10) ◽  
pp. 965-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M Powers
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Important Determinant ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Patellar Kinematics ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract Background and Purpose. A shallow intercondylar groove has been implicated as being contributory to abnormal patellar alignment. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the depth of the intercondylar groove on patellar kinematics. Subjects. Twenty-three women (mean age=26.8 years, SD=8.5, range=14–46) with a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain and 12 women (mean age=29.1 years, SD=5.0, range=24–38) without patellofemoral pain participated. Only female subjects were studied because of potential biomechanical differences between sexes. Methods. Patellar kinematics were assessed during resisted knee extension using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging. Measurements of medial and lateral patellar displacement and tilt were correlated with the depth of the trochlear groove (sulcus angle) at 45, 36, 27, 18, 9, and 0 degrees of knee flexion using regression analysis. Results. The depth of the trochlear groove was found to be correlated with patellar kinematics, with increased shallowness being predictive of lateral patellar tilt at 27, 18, 9, and 0 degrees of flexion and of lateral patellar displacement at 9 and 0 degrees of flexion (r=.51–.76). Conclusions and Discussion. The results of this study indicate that bony structure is an important determinant of patellar kinematics at end-range knee extension (0°–30°).

Inter-rater reliability of TT-TG distance is good and does not vary based on preselected versus independent slice selection on MRI

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 302-305
Author(s):  
Corey Beals ◽  
David C Flanigan ◽  
Nicholas Peters ◽  
Walter Kim ◽  
Nicholas Early ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Instability ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Intraclass Correlations ◽  
Good For ◽  
Active Patients ◽  
Axial Slice

ObjectivesPatellar instability is a frequent cause of knee dysfunction in young, active patients. Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, trochlear morphology (trochlear depth and sulcus angle) and patellar height are felt to contribute to patellar instability and may influence treatment. These measurements are frequently performed on MRI images. We hypothesised that inter-rater reliability of measures would be good and that inter-rater variation is driven primarily by slice selection.MethodsTwenty-six patients with at least one documented episode of patellar instability confirmed by MRI were identified. Six raters reviewed MRI images from each patient. Each rater measured and recorded TT-TG distance, trochlear depth and sulcus angle, and patellotrochlear index (PTI) for each patient and the slices used for the measurements. Each rater repeated the measurement using preselected slices. Inter-rater reliability was calculated by intraclass correlations (ICCs) for slice selection and for TT-TG distance, trochlear morphology measures and PTI with both independently selected and preselected slices. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in ICC based on slice selection were defined as values without overlap of their 95% CIs.ResultsInter-rater reliability was excellent for tibial (ICC=0.93) axial slice selection and sagittal slice selection (ICC=0.94), and good for femoral (ICC=0.88) axial slice selection. Using independent slice selection, inter-rater reliability was good for TT-TG distance (ICC=0.79) and fair for trochlear depth (ICC=0.57), sulcus angle (ICC=0.57) and PTI (ICC=0.71). When preselected slices were used, inter-rater reliability was good for TT-TG distance (ICC=0.85), sulcus angle (ICC=0.83) and PTI (ICC=0.77) and fair for trochlear depth (ICC=0.68). Only sulcus angle demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) improvement in inter-rater reliability with the use of preselected slices.Discussion and conclusionInter-rater reliability of TT-TG distance is good and does not vary based on preselected versus independent slice selection on MRI. Inter-rater reliability of trochlear morphology measures based on axial MRI slices and PTI is fair. Inter-rater variation can be reduced (particularly in the case of sulcus angle) through agreement on slice selection.Level of evidenceLevel III, diagnostic.

scholarly journals Identifying Patients With Patella Alta and/or Severe Trochlear Dysplasia Through the Presence of Patellar Apprehension in Higher Degrees of Flexion

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712092548
Author(s):  
Matthew Colatruglio ◽  
David C. Flanigan ◽  
Sarah Harangody ◽  
Robert A. Duerr ◽  
Christopher C. Kaeding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Patellar Instability ◽  
Trochlear Dysplasia ◽  
Patella Alta ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Type B ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Recurrent Patellar Instability

Background: Recurrent patellar instability is frequently treated surgically with reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Patients with significant patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and/or an elevated tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance may benefit from a concurrent bony procedure such as tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty. The indications to perform such procedures are traditionally based on imaging criteria but remain controversial. Patellar apprehension is common in patients with patellar instability but typically resolves in higher degrees of knee flexion. Hypothesis: The persistence of patellar apprehension at greater than 60° of knee flexion is associated with patella alta, an increased TT-TG distance, and trochlear dysplasia. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 76 patients with recurrent patellar instability were prospectively identified in a sports medicine clinic. Patellar apprehension was evaluated in each patient. Apprehension was defined as the patient reporting that the patella felt unstable to lateral patellar translation. Apprehension was first assessed at full knee extension and repeatedly assessed as the knee was flexed in 10° intervals, as measured using a goniometer. The degree of flexion at which patellar apprehension disappeared was recorded. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for all patients. Patellar height was assessed with the Caton-Deschamps (CD) index, and trochlear morphology was assessed through measurements of the sulcus angle and depth on MRI and classified using the Dejour classification system. Imaging measurements of patients in whom apprehension resolved by 60° of knee flexion were compared with measurements for those with apprehension that persisted deeper into flexion. Results: Apprehension resolved by 60° of flexion in 56 patients and persisted into deeper flexion in 20 patients. The patients with a delayed resolution of apprehension demonstrated a higher CD index; elevated TT-TG distance; increased sulcus angle; decreased sulcus depth; and higher incidence of Dejour type B, C, or D dysplasia (all P < .05). Of the 20 patients with a delayed resolution of apprehension, 18 had either Dejour type B, C, or D dysplasia or a CD index of at least 1.30. A delayed resolution of apprehension was present in 11 of the 16 patients with Dejour type B, C, or D dysplasia. Conclusion: Overall, 90% of patients with significant patella alta and the majority of patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia demonstrated patellar apprehension that persisted beyond 60° of knee flexion. Additionally, 90% of patients with persistent apprehension had significant patella alta and/or trochlear dysplasia. Further work is needed to evaluate the utility of these findings to inform surgical decision-making in this population.

scholarly journals ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS AND OSTEOCHONDRAL DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH PATELLAR INSTABILITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0048
Author(s):  
Lilah Fones ◽  
Regina Kostyun ◽  
James Pace
Keyword(s):  
Patellar Instability ◽  
Trochlear Dysplasia ◽  
Tibial Tubercle ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Radiographic Measurements ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Adolescent Patients

Objectives: Osteochondral damage is a potential consequence of patellar instability that is associated with an increased risk of arthritis and lower patient reported outcomes. Currently, there is little evidence of risk factors associated with osteochondral damage in the setting of patellar instability. The purpose of this study was to identify the association of patient demographics, chronicity of patellar instability, and radiographic measurements with osteochondral damage in adolescent patients with patellar instability. Methods: Upon obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, a chart review was conducted to identify patients 18 years of age and younger treated for patellar instability between 2013 and 2018 at a tertiary referral center. Patients with both acute traumatic and chronic recurrent dislocations with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results available were included. Patients were excluded if they had a previous ipsilateral patellar instability surgical intervention. MRI exams were reviewed, and measurements were conducted for Caton-Deschamps (CD) ratio, proximal tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (pTT-TG), distal tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (dTT-TG), lateral trochlear inclination (LTI), lateral patellar inclination (LPI), and sulcus angle. Logistical regression was conducted using binary outcome of presence or absence of osteochondral damage (Statistical Analysis Software, Cary, NC). Odds ratios were calculated for parameters that were statistically significant (p<0.05). Results: A total of 129 knees and 122 patients (average age at first visit 14.4±3.0, 51% female) were identified with patellar instability, of which 53% had osteochondral damage. Approximately one third of patients (67%) were treated with surgical management. There was no association identified between osteochondral damage and sex, age, BMI, symptom duration, physeal status, or number of dislocation (acute vs chronic). Of the radiographic measurements evaluated, LTI, LPI, sulcus angle and dTT-TG all had a statistically significant association with the presence of osteochondral damage (Table 1). Every 1-unit decrease in LTI (more trochlear dysplasia) was associated with a 6% increased chance of osteochondral damage. Every 1-unit increase in LPI, sulcus angle, and dTT-TG is associated with an increased chance of osteochondral damage of 5.5%, 5.8%, and 11.3%, respectively. The CD ratio and pTT-TG had no association with osteochondral damage. Confidence intervals, p-values, and odds ratios are presented in Table 1. Conclusions: There is an association between radiographic parameters, particularly those that correlate with higher levels of trochlear dysplasia, and osteochondral damage in adolescent patients with patellar instability, but no association with being either an acute or chronic dislocator. Clinically, this may impact the management of patients presenting with patellar instability and no radiographic evidence of osteochondral damage. In these patients, clinicians may have a lower threshold for surgical interventions in those with higher levels of trochlear dysplasia as evidenced by decreased LTI and an increased LPI, sulcus angle, and dTT-TG.

Anatomic Risk Factors for Focal Cartilage Lesions in the Patella and Trochlea: A Case-Control Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2444-2453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Felipe Ambra ◽  
Betina B. Hinckel ◽  
Elizabeth A. Arendt ◽  
Jack Farr ◽  
Andreas H. Gomoll
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Trochlear Dysplasia ◽  
Cartilage Lesion ◽  
Patella Alta ◽  
Lesion Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Trochlear Groove ◽  
Patellar Tilt ◽  
Sulcus Angle ◽  
Cartilage Lesions

Background:Focal cartilage lesions in the patellofemoral (PF) joint are common. Several studies correlated PF risk factors with PF instability, anterior knee pain, and PF arthritis; however, there is a lack of evidence correlating those factors to PF focal cartilage lesions.Purpose:To evaluate the influence of the anatomic PF risk factors in patients with isolated focal PF cartilage lesions.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Patients with isolated PF focal cartilage lesions were included in the cartilage lesion group, and patients with other pathologies and normal PF cartilage were included in the control group. Multiple PF risk factors were accessed on magnetic resonance imaging scans: patellar morphology (patellar width, patellar thickness, and patellar angle), trochlear morphology (trochlear sulcus angle, lateral condyle index, and trochlear sulcus depth), patellar height (Insall-Salvati ratio and Caton-Deschamps index), axial patellar positioning (patellar tilt, angle of Fulkerson), and quadriceps vector (tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance).Results:A total of 135 patients were included in the cartilage lesion group and 100 in the control group. As compared with the control group, the cartilage lesion group had a higher sulcus angle ( P = .0007), lower trochlear sulcus depth ( P < .0001), lower angle of Fulkerson ( P < .0001), lower patellar width ( P = .0003), and higher Insall-Salvati ratio ( P < .0001). From the patients in the cartilage lesion group, 36% had trochlear dysplasia; 27.6%, patella alta; and 24.7%, abnormal patellar tilt. These parameters were more frequent in the cartilage lesion group ( P < .0001). Trochlear lesions were more frequent in men, presented at an older age, and had fewer associated anatomic risk factors. Patellar lesions, conversely, were more frequent in women, presented at younger age, and were more closely associated with anatomic risk factors.Conclusion:PF anatomic abnormalities are significantly more common in patients with full-thickness PF cartilage lesions. Trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and excessive lateral patellar tilt are the most common correlated factors, especially in patellar lesions.

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