scholarly journals Current methods of patellar instability imaging in children. Selection of the best treatment approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Sautenko ◽  
Egor V. Ogarev ◽  
Alexander G. Eltsin ◽  
Vladimir N. Merkulov ◽  
Dmitry S. Mininkov

Background. Patellar instability is a common problem in pediatric patients. Up to 2%–3% of all knee injuries are associated with acute patellar dislocation. According to the data in the literature, patients aged 10–17 years are at the highest risk of patellar dislocation and subsequent instability. These patients must be evaluated according to the proposed algorithm to select the optimal treatment method. Aim. To diagnose patellar instability in children and subsequently select the optimal treatment method based on acquired data. Materials and methods. The study is based on data acquired through the examination and treatment of 147 patients at the 9th Department of Pediatric Traumatology and Orthopedics. Great emphasis was put on computed tomography (CT) data, its essential parameters, which require the most thorough analysis, and assessment methods. These parameters include patellar tilt, dysplasia of the distal metaepiphysis of the femur, the tibial tubercle–trochlear groove index, and the rotational relation of the femur and tibia. Results. A novel algorithm for patient examination using CT is proposed. Data obtained by multislice CT (MSCT) had a significant influence on the selection of the surgical method for treating patients with patellar instability. Conclusion. The examination of patients with patellar instability using MSCT in adherence to the proposed diagnostic algorithm allows the selection of the optimal treatment method, which will increase the likelihood of rapid recovery of patients and their return to the level of activity similar to that before injury.

Author(s):  
Marc-Daniel Ahrend ◽  
Tobias Eisenmann ◽  
Moritz Herbst ◽  
Boyko Gueorguiev ◽  
Gabriel Keller ◽  
...  

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


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3035
Author(s):  
Robert C. Palmer ◽  
David A. Podeszwa ◽  
Philip L. Wilson ◽  
Henry B. Ellis

Patellofemoral instability (PFI) encompasses symptomatic patellar instability, patella subluxations, and frank dislocations. Previous studies have estimated the incidence of acute patellar dislocation at 43 per 100,000 children younger than age 16 years. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) complex is a static soft tissue constraint that stabilizes the patellofemoral joint serving as a checkrein to prevent lateral displacement. The causes of PFI are multifactorial and not attributed solely to anatomic features within the knee joint proper. Specific anatomic features to consider include patella alta, increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, genu valgum, external tibial torsion, femoral anteversion, and ligamentous laxity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the evaluation of PFI in the pediatric and adolescent patient with a specific focus on the contributions of coronal and transverse plane deformities. Moreover, a framework will be provided for the incorporation of bony procedures to address these issues.


Author(s):  
Sheanna Maine ◽  
Christina Ngo-Nguyen ◽  
Martina Barzan ◽  
Chris Stockton ◽  
Luca Modenese ◽  
...  

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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4.1) ◽  
pp. 638-642
Author(s):  
Andrius Brazaitis ◽  
Algirdas Tamosiunas ◽  
Janina Tutkuviene

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance dynamics in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and pain free individuals by using full weight bearing kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) And correlation with patellar instability. Materials and methods. 51 female individuals with PFP and 26 pain free female individuals participated in the study. The kinematic MRI was performed with 1,5 T MRI unit and full-weight bearing. TT-TG distance, bissect offset (BSO) and patellar tilt angle (PTA) were measured in steps of 10° between 50° of flexion to full extension. Results. The TT–TG was higher in PFP patients compared to volunteers’ from 40° to full extension. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). PFP patients demonstrated statistically significantly greater TT-TG distance increase from 30° to full extension. BSO and PTA were moderately correlated to TT-TG from 20° of flexion to full extension. Conclusion. TT-TG distance is dynamic and increases significantly during extension in patients with PFP and pain free individuals, depending on knee flexion angle. It shows different pattern of dynamics in PFP group. TT-TG distance is associated with patellar instability (BSO and PTA) at low degrees of flexion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712097366
Author(s):  
Zhen-Zhen Dai ◽  
Lin Sha ◽  
Zi-Ming Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Peng Liang ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
...  

Background: The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance was originally described for computed tomography (CT), but it has been measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with patellar instability (PI). Whether the TT-TG measured on CT versus MRI can be considered equivalent in skeletally immature children remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate in skeletally immature patients (1) the effects of CT versus MRI imaging modality and cartilage versus bony landmarks on consistency of TT-TG measurement, (2) the difference between CT and MRI measurements of the TT-TG, and (3) the difference in TT-TG between patients with and without PI. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively identified 24 skeletally immature patients with PI and 24 patients with other knee disorders or injury but without PI. The bony and cartilaginous TT-TG distances on CT and MRI were measured by 2 researchers, and related clinical data were collected. The interrater, interperiod (bony vs cartilaginous), and intermethod (CT vs MRI) reliabilities of TT-TG measurement were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: The 48 study patients (19 boys, 29 girls) had a mean age of 11.3 years (range, 7-14 years). TT-TG measurements had excellent interrater reliability and good or excellent interperiod reliability but fair or poor intermethod reliability. TT-TG distance was greater on CT versus MRI (mean difference, 4.07 mm; 95% CI, 2.6-5.5 mm), and cartilaginous distance was greater than bony distance (mean difference, 2.3 mm; 95% CI, 0.79-3.8 mm). The TT-TG measured on CT was found to increase with the femoral width. Patients in the PI group had increased TT-TG distance compared with those in the control group, regardless of landmarks or modality used ( P > .05 for all). Conclusion: For skeletally immature patients, the TT-TG distance could be evaluated on MRI, regardless of whether cartilage or bony landmarks were used. Its value could not be interchanged with CT according to our results; however, further research on this topic is needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0013
Author(s):  
Alexandra H. Aitchison ◽  
Kenneth M. Lin ◽  
Daniel W. Green

Background: Tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and external tibiofemoral rotation (TFR) through the knee joint have been identified potential contributing factors to patellar instability. In patients with a fixed or obligatory lateral patella dislocation (FOD), the normal force vector of the extensor mechanism is altered, so instead of a direct axial pull to cause extension, it exerts a lateralizing and external rotatory force on the tibia via the tibial tubercle. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate postoperative changes in TT-TG and TFR after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) in two clinical cohorts: standard traumatic patellar instability (SPI) patients and FOD patients. We hypothesized that by surgically relocating the patella in the trochlea, and re-establishing medial sided soft tissue tension, the increased medializing force vector on the patella may exert enough force to alter resting rotation of the tibia in relation to the femur in the FOD group. Methods: A retrospective study was performed from April 2009 to February 2019. FOD and SPI patients under 18 years with available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee before and after MPFLR were eligible. All FOD patients in the time frame were analyzed and SPI patients were randomly selected. Exclusion criteria were outside institution MRI, concomitant alignment procedures done at the time of MPFLR, and prior MPFLR or tibial tubercle osteotomy. TT-TG and TFR (using the posterior femoral and tibial condylar lines) were measured blindly on initial axial MRI. Statistical analysis using a paired sample t-test was performed with significance set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 30 patients were included, 14 in the FOD group and 16 in the SPI group. The mean age at time of surgery was 13.9 years (range 10-17 years), 53% of the cohort was female, and the mean time from surgery to follow-up MRI was 2.0 years. Demographics by group are shown in Table 1. TT-TG and TFR were not significantly different preoperatively versus postoperatively in the SPI group (Table 2). In the FOD group, both TT-TG (17.7 vs 13.7, P=.019) and TFR (8.6 vs 3.1, P=.025) decreased significantly on postoperative MRI. Conclusion: The postoperative decrease in TT-TG and TFR in the FOD group suggests that MPFLR in fixed or obligatory dislocators can improve the external rotation deformity through the level of the joint, and thus may help normalize the forces acting through the extensor mechanism. Tables/ Figures [Table: see text][Table: see text]


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712091487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijie Xu ◽  
Hua Zhang ◽  
Binjie Fu ◽  
Sheikh Ibrahimrashid Mohamed ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: The surgical indication for tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) has been based on a tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance of 20 mm or greater in patients with patellar dislocation. However, the measurement of this parameter is less reliable in patients with trochlear dysplasia. Hypothesis: The novel measurement of tibial tubercle–Roman arch (TT-RA) distance would be a reliable parameter for identifying the relative position of the tibial tubercle in patients with patellar dislocation, especially those with trochlear dysplasia. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 56 patients with a diagnosis of patellar dislocation and 60 volunteers (60 knee joints) without a history of lower extremity pain or injury were included in our study. The TT-RA distance, TT-TG distance, and some femoral anatomic parameters were assessed by use of computed tomography. The measurements were performed by a radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon in a blinded and randomized fashion. The difference in each parameter between the study and control groups was analyzed through use of an unpaired t test. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of the included parameters. The cutoff values of the included measurements with specificity and sensitivity were calculated. In addition, the TT-TG distance and TT-RA distance were analyzed using the Dejour classification to evaluate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of each parameter in different types of femoral trochlea. Result: A significant difference for TT-RA distance was found between the study group (23.24 ± 4.41 mm) and control group (19.15 ± 4.24 mm) ( P < .001). The TT-RA distance had an area under the curve of 0.757. At a value greater than 23.74 mm, TT-RA distance had 53.57% sensitivity and 88.33% specificity for patellar dislocation. The ICCs of TT-RA distance measurements were excellent in all Dejour classifications (>0.939), whereas the ICCs of TT-TG distance measurements were relatively lower than the ICCs of TT-RA distance measurements. According to the data from included healthy individuals, the pathological TT-RA distance threshold was 26 mm. Conclusion: Compared with TT-TG distance, the TT-RA distance is a more reliable parameter for identifying the relative position of the tibial tubercle in patients with trochlear dysplasia. For patients with a TT-RA distance greater than 26 mm, surgery should be considered to correct the malposition of the tibial tubercle.


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