Different effects of femoral and tibial rotation on the different measurements of patella tilting: An axial computed tomography study

Comparison between conventional MRI and weight-bearing positional MRI reveals important differences in radiological measurements of the patellofemoral joint

OBJECTIVE

To compare radiological measurements of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) morphology and measurement reproducibility across the following scanning modalities: (a) 3 T supine MRI, (b) 0.25 T supine MRI and (c) standing 0.25 T MRI.

METHODS

Forty patients referred to MRI of the knee were scanned by high field 3 T MRI in supine position and low field 0.25 T positional (pMRI) in supine and standing positions. Radiological measurements for assessment of femoral trochlear morphology, patellar tracking, patellar height and knee flexion angle were compared across scanning situations by one-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Measurement reliability and agreement were assessed by calculation of ICC, SEM and MDC.

RESULTS

Patellar tracking differed across scanning situations, particularly between 3.0 T supine and 0.25 T standing position. Mean differences are the following: patella bisect offset (PBO): 9.6%, p ≤ 0.001; patellar tilt angle (PTA): 3.1°, p ≤ 0.001; tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG): 2.7 mm, p ≤ 0.001). Measurements revealed slight knee joint flexion in supine and slight hyperextension in the standing position (MD: 9.3°, P ≤ 0.001), likely related to the observed differences in patellar tracking. Reproducibility was comparable across MRI field strengths. In general, PBO, PTA and TT-TG were the most robust measurements in terms of reproducibility and agreement across scanning situations (ICC range: 0.85-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in important patellofemoral morphology measurements were observed between supine and standing MRI scanning positions. These were unlikely due to physiological factors such as changes in joint loading but rather induced by slight differences in knee flexion angle. This emphasises the need to standardise knee positioning during scanning, particularly for weight-bearing positional MRI before clinical use.

Weight-bearing MRI with a knee flexion angle of 20°: a study on additional MRI investigation modalities to support a more accurate understanding of patellofemoral instability

Background

Diagnosing patellofemoral instability disorders correctly, weight-bearing MRI (WB-MRI) has become an option. Aiming for a best possible accuracy in displaying potentially underlying causes, the named MRI modalities were sporadically even investigated in different knee flexion angles. However, despite confirmed MRI-outcome-differences between WB-MRI and non-WB-MRI, none of the described MRI modalities have so far established themselves. Mainly this is due to an unfeasibility in daily clinical routine in regard to time and economic aspects. Thus, we intended to evaluate an additional but reduced patellofemoral MR-imaging solely in a relevant 20° of knee flexion under WB- and non-WB-MRI conditions.

Methods

Seventy-three subjects with and without patellofemoral instability were investigated under supine as well as under WB-MRI conditions in a 20° of knee flexion angle. Patellofemoral risk indices in the sagittal plane (Insall-Salvati-Index, Caton-Deschamps-Index, Patellotrochlear Index) and the axial plane (Patella tilt of Fulkerson and Sasaki) were detected and compared between the different MRI conditions. Significance, reliability and Cohen’s effect size was calculated.

Results

Nearly all assessed indices showed significant differences between patients and controls in the different MRI positions. Comparing pairwise, all measured indices failed to show significant differences between the two MRI positions. However, patella tilt angles of the patient group showed an elevation from supine to WB-MRI (14.00 ± 7.54° to 15.97 ± 9.10° and 16.34 ± 7.84° to 18.54 ± 9.43°). Here, Cohen’s d showed small to medium effects between supine and WB-MRI.

Conclusion

In comparison to standard MRI in supine position, axial risk indices seem to be accentuated under WB-MRI and a knee flexion angle of 20°. In particular, symptomatic cases with inconspicuous conventional MRI imaging, additional MRI imaging only in the axial plane in a 20° of knee flexion could be beneficious and useful in clinical daily routine.

Comparison of two coupling methods regarding coupling patterns, sensitivity to footwear and potential future injury applications

Researchers have quantified the effect of footwear conditions on movement patterns and injury risk for runners using discrete kinematic variables and/or relative coupling variables. Coupling is typically assessed using the transfer coefficient (TC) or the vector coding (VC) approach. However, a thorough comparison of both methods regarding their interpretation, sensitivity to testing conditions and information regarding coupling strength as one overall coupling score is missing. This study aimed to compare both methods regarding a) their coupling patterns, b) their sensitivity to footwear conditions and c) to discuss both coupling approaches regarding an overall coupling score. 3D motion capture data was collected of 10 males running on a treadmill with and without shoes. Rearfoot frontal and tibia transverse plane motion was analyzed. Discrete kinematic variables and relative coupling variables were calculated via the TC and VC approach for the landing and push-off phase. A novel variable, the coupling score, was developed and calculated using both coupling methods. Coupling variables calculated with both methods showed differences in coupling patterns, especially for the landing phase (TC ≈ 0.5/in-phase towards rearfoot-phase, VC ≈ 300°/anti-phase). VC offers further details, such as coupling frequencies, compared to the TC. Moreover, both methods were unable to distinguish between footwear conditions regarding their coupling patterns or coupling scores. Strong correlations (r ≤ 0.7, p < 0.0125) between coupling scores assessed with either method suggest that both methods contain similar information regarding coupling strength. The coupling score represents a first attempt to quantify a weighted coupling pattern quantitatively. Future studies have to validate whether the coupling score might be linked to injury risks.

An Updated Review of the Epidemiology of Swimming Injuries

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a systematic review to update the scientific evidence on the incidence and prevalence of injuries in the swimming discipline, as well as the location, type, and mechanism of the injuries, and to assess whether studies are meeting methodological recommendations for data collection and injury surveillance. TYPE: Analytical-Systematic review.

LITERATURE SURVEY

The databases of PubMed and Sportdiscus were used to search for studies that describe the epidemiology of injuries in adult swimmers between 2010 and March 2020.

METHODOLOGY

Of the 864 articles identified, 14 studies were finally included in this review. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scale and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

SYNTHESIS

The results showed a high prevalence of shoulder, knee, and lower back injuries among swimmers due to overuse. These injuries were mainly short-term tendon muscles; there were reported data differences between genders.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the publication of an injury surveillance single and multisport events document and a consensus on data collection and injury surveillance in swimming, there are huge methodological limitations that do not allow firm conclusions. As such, more epidemiological studies following guidelines for data collection and injury surveillance are needed to establish differences by gender, age group, and swimming stroke.

Tibial tuberosity-tibial intercondylar midpoint distance measured on computed tomography scanner is not biased during knee rotation and could be clinically more relevant than current measurement systems

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional case-control study was to evaluate an alternative imaging test for lateralization of the tibial tuberosity, unbiased towards knee rotation.

METHODS

On axial CT images of 129 knees, classified as cases (two or more patellar luxations) and controls (no patellar luxations), two raters gauged the standard tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, tibial tuberosity-femoral intercondylar midpoint (TT-FIM) distance, and new tibial tuberosity-tibial intercondylar midpoint (TT-TIM) distance singly, and knee longitudinal rotation angles (LRAs), and the presence of femoral trochlear dysplasia (FTD) jointly.

RESULTS

All imaging tests intercorrelated and discriminated between stability groups. TT-TIM had the lowest values with the highest precision. Though poorly, TT-TG and TT-FIM negatively correlated with age and LRAs regarding femur, but positively with presence of FTD, whereas TT-TIM was unbiased. The accuracy of TT-TG (> 20 mm), TT-FIM (> 20 mm), and TT-TIM (> 13 mm) was good with almost perfect reproducibility. Only TT-TIM was sex-biased (p = 0.009), with > 12 mm cut-off in females and (presumably) > 14 mm in males.

CONCLUSION

TT-TIM is an alternative imaging test for lateralization of the tibial tuberosity, unbiased towards knee rotation.

Static patella tilt and axial engagement in knee extension are mainly influenced by knee torsion, the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance (TTTG), and trochlear dysplasia but not by femoral or tibial torsion

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of femoral (FT), tibial (TT), and knee torsion (KT) on the patella tilt (PT), the axial engagement index (AEI), and the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG).

METHODS

Femoral torsion, tibial torsion, knee torsion, patella tilt, the axial engagement index, the TTTG, and trochlear dysplasia were retrospectively evaluated on 59 patients suffering from recurrent patella instability or anterior knee pain with 118 torsional lower limb magnetic resonance imaging studies.

RESULTS

FT and TT did not show any significant associations with TTTG, PT, and AEI (n.s.). KT was significantly associated with a higher TTTG, higher PT, and lower AEI (all, p < 0.001). Higher grade trochlear dysplasia was associated with a higher PT and lower AEI (both, p < 0.001). The Dejour classification showed no significant association with FT, TT, KT, and TTTG (n.s.). All measurement parameters showed an excellent interrater agreement (ICC 0.89-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Static patella tilt and patellofemoral axial engagement in knee extension are mainly influenced by knee torsion, TTTG, and trochlear dysplasia but not by femoral or tibial torsion. These findings help to understand the underlying reasons for the patella position in knee extensions in CT and MRI investigations in patients suffering from patella instability and patellofemoral pain syndrome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Upright weight-bearing CT of the knee during flexion: changes of the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral articulations between 0° and 120°

PURPOSE

To prospectively compare patellofemoral and tibiofemoral articulations in the upright weight-bearing position with different degrees of flexion using CT in order to gain a more thorough understanding of the development of diseases of the knee joint in a physiological position.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT scans of the knee in 0°, 30°, 60° flexion in the upright weight-bearing position and in 120° flexion upright without weight-bearing were obtained of 10 volunteers (mean age 33.7 ± 6.1 years; range 24-41) using a cone-beam extremity-CT. Two independent readers quantified tibiofemoral and patellofemoral rotation, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) and patellofemoral distance. Tibiofemoral contact points were assessed in relation to the anteroposterior distance of the tibial plateau. Significant differences between degrees of flexion were sought using Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

With higher degrees of flexion, internal tibiofemoral rotation increased (0°/120° flexion; mean, 0.5° ± 4.5/22.4° ± 7.6); external patellofemoral rotation decreased (10.6° ± 7.6/1.6° ± 4.2); TTTG decreased (11.1 mm ±3.7/-2.4 mm ±6.4) and patellofemoral distance decreased (38.7 mm ±3.0/21.0 mm ±7.0). The CP shifted posterior, more pronounced laterally. Significant differences were found for all measurements at all degrees of flexion (P = 0.005-0.037), except between 30° and 60°. ICC was almost perfect (0.80-0.99), except for the assessment of the CP (0.20-0.96).

CONCLUSION

Knee joint articulations change significantly during flexion using upright weight-bearing CT. Progressive internal tibiofemoral rotation leads to a decrease in the TTTG and a posterior shift of the contact points in higher degrees of flexion. This elucidates patellar malalignment predominantly close to extension and meniscal tears commonly affecting the posterior horns.

Correlation between varus knee malalignment and patellofemoral osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) and varus OA of the knee with a focus on the location of joint space narrowing.

METHODS

Eighty-five patients scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty caused by varus OA were enrolled in this study. The relationship between patellofemoral OA and varus knee malalignment was elucidated. To determine the alignment of the patellofemoral joint in varus knees, patellar tilt, and the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance were measured, and patellofemoral OA was classified using computed tomography.

RESULTS

The femorotibial angles in patients with stage II-IV patellofemoral OA were significantly larger than those in patients with stage I patellofemoral OA, and the patellar tilt in patients with stage II-IV patellofemoral OA and the TT-TG distance in patients with stage IV patellofemoral OA were significantly larger than those in patients with stage I patellofemoral OA. The TT-TG distance was strongly correlated with patellar tilt (R(2) = 0.41, P < 0.001). Patellofemoral joint space narrowing was mainly noted at the lateral facet, and it was found on both sides as patellofemoral OA worsened.

CONCLUSION

Varus knee malalignment was induced by patellofemoral OA, especially at the lateral facet. Patellar tilt and the TT-TG distance are considered critical factors for the severity of patellofemoral OA. Understanding the critical factors for patellofemoral OA in varus knees such as the TT-TG distance and patellar will facilitate the prevention of patellofemoral OA using procedures such as high tibial osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty to correct knee malalignment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

Patellar Tendon-Trochlear Groove Angle Measurement: A New Method for Patellofemoral Rotational Analyses

Background:

The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) is used as the gold standard for patellofemoral malalignment.

Purpose:

To assess 3 patellar tendon–trochlear groove (PT-TG) angle measurement techniques and the PT-TG distance measurement (tendinous cartilaginous TT-TG) as predictors of patellar instability.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Three PT-TG angle measurements and the PT-TG distance were measured in 82 participants with patellar instability and 100 controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurement landmarks were the line tangent to the posterior femoral condyles, the deepest point of the trochlea, the transepicondylar line, and the patellar tendon center. All measurements were recorded once by 1 examiner, and the measurements were recorded twice by 2 examiners in a random group of 100 knees. Mean values and standard deviations (SDs) were obtained. Normality cutoff values were defined as 2 and 3 SDs above the mean in the control group. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) were calculated. Inter- and intrarater reliability were assessed based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results:

The measurements from the patellar instability and control groups, respectively, for angle 1 (16.4° and 8.4°), angle 2 (31° and 15.6°), angle 3 (30.8° and 15.7°), PT-TG distance (14.5 and 8.4 mm), and patellar tilt (21.1° and 7.5°) were significantly different (P < .05). The angle measurements showed greater sensitivity, specificity, and LR+ than the PT-TG distance. Inter- and intrarater ICC values were >0.95 for all measurements.

Conclusion:

The PT-TG angle and the PT-TG distance are reliable and are different between the patellar instability and control groups. PT-TG angles are more closely associated with patellar instability than PT-TG distance.

Clinical Relevance:

PT-TG angle measurements show high reliability and association with patellar instability and can aid in the assessment of extensor mechanism malalignment. A more sensitive and specific evaluation of extensor mechanism malalignment can improve patient care by preventing both redislocation and abnormal tracking of overlooked malalignment and complications of unnecessary tibial tuberosity medialization.

The influence of asymmetric quadriceps loading on patellar tracking--an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

In patients with anterior knee pain and patellar instability, a specific training of the quadriceps muscle - especially the vastus medialis - is often recommended, although the practicability is discussed controversially and the proof of a measurable clinical effect is difficult. Therefore, this in vitro study investigates the influence of asymmetric muscle loading on the motion of the human patella.

METHODS

Seven human knee specimens were tested in a specially developed knee simulator. During simulated weight-bearing knee flexion, the kinematics of tibia, femur and patella were measured using an ultrasound motion capture system. The quadriceps forces were controlled to achieve a constant ankle force over the whole flexion range which is assumed to represent almost physiological loading. Three different force distributions of the quadriceps were tested - a central, equally distributed load as well as mainly lateral and medial loads.

RESULTS

A significant influence of different quadriceps force distributions was found for patellar tilt around a proximodistal axis (up to 1.7°) and patellar rotation around an anteroposterior axis (up to 3.8°) with respect to the femur. Interestingly, the patellar mediolateral shift was influenced only marginally (<1.5mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Specific muscle training might help patients with patellofemoral pain and cartilage damage by a slight modification of the kinematics, but we could show that even highly asymmetric quadriceps loads only led to a small alteration of the mediolateral shift in case of a physiologic anatomy of the trochlear groove.

The role of patellar alignment and tracking in vivo: the potential mechanism of patellofemoral pain syndrome

PURPOSE AND METHOD

Lateral patellar malalignment and maltracking are commonly believed to be associated with patellofemoral pain. In the current review, a computerized and manual search of English-language articles was performed using multiple combinations of the following keywords: 'patellofemoral pain syndrome' or 'patellofemoral pain', and 'patellar alignment' or 'patellar tracking'. The role of patellar alignment and tracking in vivo is discussed via a review of papers regarding the differences in asymptomatic and symptomatic patella. An attempt is made to identify the potential mechanism of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that symptomatic patella do not consistently demonstrate lateral malalignment or tracking in patellar tilt and translation. Abnormal patellar alignment and tracking may be potential risk factors that are associated with patellofemoral pain. Other contributing factors should be considered in dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Further studies are required to determine what normal patella alignment and tracking is before going on to define how these are altered in subjects with patellofemoral pain. Furthermore, prospective studies are needed to identify the alteration of patellofemoral kinematics, if any, and whether these are the causative factor or the consequence of the patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as to determine the risk of development of patellofemoral pain syndrome in individuals with and without abnormal patellar tracking.

Quantifying the effects of extensor mechanism medializatlon procedures using MRI: a cadaver-based study

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral joint kinematics are dependent on a variety of anatomical features. One of the most common causes of patellar instability is malalignment of the quadriceps extensor mechanism. The Southwick-Fulkerson osteotomy focuses on correcting malalignment of the quadriceps extensor mechanism through medialization of the tibial tubercle. MRI, in conjunction with established patellofemoral indices, allows quantitative evaluation of the patellofemoral joint during active quadriceps extension both pre- and postoperatively.

PURPOSE

This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the effects of extensor mechanism medialization procedures using established patellofemoral indices in order to establish a relationship between tubercle transfer distance and patellar tracking. It is believed that a 15mm medial transfer of the tibial tubercle will produce statistically significant changes in patellar tracking when evaluated during active quadriceps contraction.

METHODS

Four fresh-frozen cadavers underwent a modified Fulkerson osteotomy. The central quadriceps tendon was identified and traction was applied with a vector parallel to the femoral diaphysis using sutures, to simulate active quadriceps contraction. MRI images were obtained following Omm (control) and 15mm tibial tubercle medialization. Each knee was evaluated at 30, 20, 10, and 0 degrees of flexion.

RESULTS

Quantitative evaluation of patellar tracking during active quadriceps contraction detected significant changes in patellar translation following 15mm medial transfer of the tibial tubercle as compared to the control. The significantly reduced indices suggest reduced patellar lateralization and improved patellar tracking during the critical range of motion from 30 to 0 degrees of flexion.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that significant quantitative changes in patellar tracking occur following 15mm tibial tubercle medialization when evaluated during active quadriceps contraction using MRI in conjunction with established patellofemoral indices. These findings suggest that quantitative evaluation of patellar tracking may be a valuable pre- and postoperative tool when coupled with qualitative clinical findings.

Femur rotation and patellofemoral joint kinematics: a weight-bearing magnetic resonance imaging analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.

OBJECTIVES

To compare patellofemoral joint kinematics, femoral rotation, and patella rotation between females with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and pain-free controls using weight-bearing kinematic magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND

Recently, it has been recognized that patellofemoral malalignment may be the result of femoral motion as opposed to patella motion.

METHODS

Fifteen females with PFP and 15 pain-free females between the ages of 18 and 45 years participated in this study. Kinematic imaging of the patellofemoral joint was performed using a vertically open magnetic resonance imaging system. Axial-oblique images were obtained using a fast gradient-echo pulse sequence. Images were acquired at a rate of 1 image per second while subjects performed a single-limb squat. Measures of femur and patella rotation (relative to the image field of view), lateral patella tilt, and lateral patella displacement were made from images obtained at 45 degrees , 30 degrees , 15 degrees , and 0 degrees of knee flexion. Group differences were assessed using a mixed-model analysis of variance with repeated measures.

RESULTS

When compared to the control group, females with PFP demonstrated significantly greater lateral patella displacement at all angles evaluated and significantly greater lateral patella tilt at 30 degrees , 15 degrees , and 0 degrees of knee flexion. Similarly, greater medial femoral rotation was observed in the PFP group at 45 degrees , 15 degrees , and 0 degrees of knee flexion when compared to the control group. No group differences in patella rotation were found.

CONCLUSION

Altered patellofemoral joint kinematics in females with PFP appears to be related to excessive medial femoral rotation, as opposed to lateral patella rotation. Our results suggest that the control of femur rotation may be important in restoring normal patellofemoral joint kinematics. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(5):277-285, Epub 12 March 2010. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3215.