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Journal of ISAKOS : Joint Disorders &... Oct 2023To analyze the effect of patellofemoral anatomical variations (patella alta, increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove [TT-TG] distance, and trochlear dysplasia) on... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To analyze the effect of patellofemoral anatomical variations (patella alta, increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove [TT-TG] distance, and trochlear dysplasia) on clinical outcomes after isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction.
METHODS
A comprehensive search from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify studies that compared outcomes based on the presence or absence of patella alta, elevated tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and/or trochlear dysplasia. Exclusion criteria included reviews and meta-analyses, studies that included patients who underwent associated bony procedures, and those reporting outcomes after isolated MPFL reconstruction with no comparison between varying anatomical groups.
RESULTS
After application of selection criteria, 19 studies were included. Patella alta was not predictive of failure or poorer outcomes among 13 studies; however, 2 studies demonstrated poorer patient-reported outcome scores and/or higher failure rates with increasing patellar height. Increasing TT-TG distance demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with poorer outcomes in only one study, whereas 12 other studies showed no association. Trochlear dysplasia resulted in worse outcomes and greater failure rates in 6 studies, while 10 studies showed no statistically significant correlation between trochlear dysplasia and postoperative outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Patella alta and increased TT-TG distance did not adversely affect outcomes following isolated MPFL reconstruction in the preponderance of reviewed studies. Data are mixed regarding the impact of trochlear dysplasia on the outcomes of isolated MPFL reconstruction.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
Topics: Humans; Patellar Dislocation; Patellofemoral Joint; Patella; Joint Instability; Recurrence; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 37562573
DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2023.08.001 -
Cureus Aug 2023Patellar fractures are injuries caused by the direct impact on the bone or excessive stress on the extensor mechanism. The extensor mechanism is a structure formed by...
Patellar fractures are injuries caused by the direct impact on the bone or excessive stress on the extensor mechanism. The extensor mechanism is a structure formed by the quadriceps, the patella, and the patellar tendon, as well as ligaments. We present the case of a 53-year-old male who suffered a fall from a ladder after attempting to fix a ceiling light in his home. He went to the emergency department a few times before he was admitted due to his inability to walk secondary to a fracture located at the inferior pole of the left patella. This fracture was fixed with open reduction and internal fixation using drill holes and FiberWire®.
PubMed: 37772206
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44282 -
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) Aug 2023Patellofemoral instability influences the gait pattern and activity level in adolescents. However, gait biomechanics to cope with recurrent patella instability and its...
BACKGROUND
Patellofemoral instability influences the gait pattern and activity level in adolescents. However, gait biomechanics to cope with recurrent patella instability and its relation to radiological findings has hardly been studied.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed kinematic and kinetic gait analysis data, magnetic resonance images and X-ray of 32 adolescents with unilateral recurrent patellofemoral instability aged 12 to 18 years. Subjects were assigned to 3 groups based on their sagittal knee moment in the loading response and mid stance phase. Kinematic and kinetic differences among the groups were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. A multinomial logistic regression model provided a further analysis of the relationship between gait biomechanics and MRI as well as X-ray parameters.
FINDINGS
All three groups showed different characteristics of the knee kinematics during loading response and single stance: while the patella-norm-loading group showed a slightly reduced knee flexion (p 〈0,01), the patella-unloading group kept the knee nearly extended (p < 0,01) and patella-overloading group showed an increased knee flexion (p = 0,01) compared to the other groups. In single stance the patella-overloading group maintained increased knee flexion (p < 0,01) compared to patella-unloading group and patella-norm-loading group. None of the radiological parameters proved to be related to gait patterns.
INTERPRETATION
The paper describes different gait coping strategies and their clinical relevance in subjects with patellofemoral instability. However, we did not find any relation of gait biomechanics to skeletal morphology.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Gait; Gait Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Biomechanical Phenomena; Patellofemoral Joint; Joint Instability; Male; Female
PubMed: 37633176
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106067 -
The Knee Oct 2023Treatment of patellar instability remains up for debate, and a combination of tibial tubercle osteotomy and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr) of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Treatment of patellar instability remains up for debate, and a combination of tibial tubercle osteotomy and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr) of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has become the mainstay treatment for recurrent lateral patellar dislocation. Due to limited small studies, there remains a variety of surgical techniques still being practiced. The use of MPFL reconstruction, in isolation, has demonstrated promise.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate if isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (iMPFLr) can safely and efficaciously restore knee stability and to present the patient demographics, surgical techniques, graft choices, clinical outcomes, and complications after iMPFLr for recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD).
METHODS
A review of the current literature according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, yielded 299 abstracts. Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion/exclusion criteria accounting for 1200 patients. Data was pooled and analyzed focusing on patient demographics, graft type used, Kujala, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner, and complications.
RESULTS
Across all studies the weighted mean age was found to be an average of 24.5 years, BMI was 24.9 kg/m, follow-up was 47.3 months, as 67% were female, TT-TG distance was 15.3 mm, and Caton Deschamps index 1.11. The pooled effect size difference of pre versus post assessment of Kujala was -2.8, IKDC was -4.5, Lysholm was -6.4, and Tegner was -0.74. The pooled complication rate was found to be 8% across all included studies. A subgroup analysis was also performed, specifically looking at how single bundle, double bundle, gracilis, semitendinosus and knee angle during fixation effect outcome data.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that isolated MPFL reconstruction is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent patellar dislocations. Given the efficacy of isolated MPFL reconstruction, future investigations should aim to uncover the exact TT-TG distance, trochlear dysplasia, and patella alta grade for selecting patients to undergo this procedure. Furthermore, more primary research needs to be conducted on this topic due to the overall lack of published data from randomized controlled studies and no broad standardization of outcome measurements.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
(4) Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Male; Patellar Dislocation; Patellofemoral Joint; Joint Instability; Knee Joint; Joint Dislocations; Ligaments, Articular; Patella
PubMed: 37531844
DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2023.07.003 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Nov 2023To describe the dome trochleoplasty procedure and report the short-term outcomes and complications associated with a novel technique to correct patellar luxation and...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the dome trochleoplasty procedure and report the short-term outcomes and complications associated with a novel technique to correct patellar luxation and patella alta.
ANIMALS
13 dogs (16 stifle joints) diagnosed with medial patellar luxation with concurrent patella alta in dogs > 20 kg.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Medical records of dogs weighing > 20 kg that underwent a dome trochleoplasty for correction of a medial luxating patella were prospectively evaluated. The procedure described involves an osteotomy of the femoral trochlea, which is then translated and/or rotated to correct patellar luxation. Clinical results were assessed using subjective lameness scoring, radiographic evaluation, and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) tool.
RESULTS
16 stifle joints were included in this study. The overall complication rate was 50%. Major complications occurred in 43.8% of stifle joints due to pin migration and recurrent luxation of the patella. One dog experienced a catastrophic complication 4 months postoperatively. Uncomplicated osteotomy healing was present in 94% of dogs. The median initial lameness score was 2 (mean, 1.81; range, 0 to 4) and at the final recheck was 0 (mean, 0.31; range, 0 to 2). The CBPI scores were available for 50% of stifle joints. The median initial CBPI score was 45.5 (mean, 48.8; range, 32 to 74) and at the final recheck was 17.5 (mean, 20.5; range, 0 to 43).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The dome trochleoplasty procedure offers an alternative technique for surgical correction of patellar luxation secondary to patella alta in large-breed dogs, but due to its higher complication and reluxation rates, it should be used cautiously and probably in combination with other corrective procedures, such as tibial tuberosity transposition, soft tissue imbrication, and/or soft tissue release rather than as a stand-alone procedure.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Patella; Lameness, Animal; Dog Diseases; Patellar Dislocation; Stifle
PubMed: 37582484
DOI: 10.2460/javma.23.06.0307 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Nov 2023The work-up of patellofemoral instability is complex and multifactorial. Patient factors (i.e., age, activity demand, goals/expectations), clinical presentation (pain,...
The work-up of patellofemoral instability is complex and multifactorial. Patient factors (i.e., age, activity demand, goals/expectations), clinical presentation (pain, instability, or both), and physical examination (i.e., J-sign, apprehension into flexion), must be correlated with imaging findings (radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography) and anatomic risk factors, including patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, patellar tilt, lateralized force vector, valgus, femoral anteversion, and tibial torsion. Thus, developing a standard battery of reliable and reproducible radiographic measures of patellofemoral instability is a challenge. Imaging cut-offs provide insight into relative risk of recurrent instability. We still fall short in using imaging parameters to predict when to operate, what procedure(s) to perform, and how the patient might do. Future directions include the use of artificial intelligence and 3-dimensional measurements to help simplify a complex problem.
Topics: Humans; Patellofemoral Joint; Tibia; Artificial Intelligence; Retrospective Studies; Joint Instability; Patella; Patellar Dislocation
PubMed: 37866875
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.05.026 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 2023Physical tests are commonly used in patellar tendinopathy to aid the clinical diagnosis, assess the prognosis, and monitor treatment. However, it is still unknown... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Association Between Physical Tests and Patients-Reported Outcomes in Athletes Performing Exercise Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Secondary Analysis of the JUMPER Study.
BACKGROUND
Physical tests are commonly used in patellar tendinopathy to aid the clinical diagnosis, assess the prognosis, and monitor treatment. However, it is still unknown whether these physical measures are associated with patient-reported outcomes after exercise therapy.
PURPOSE
To identify the prognostic value of baseline physical test results and to determine the association between physical response after exercise therapy and clinical improvement over 24 weeks.
STUDY DESIGN
Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.
METHODS
This study recruited 76 consecutive athletes with patellar tendinopathy who were randomized to 2 different programs of exercise therapy for 24 weeks. Athletes underwent a range of physical tests before and during exercise therapy (12 and 24 weeks), including isometric muscle strength (quadriceps and hip abductors), muscle flexibility (quadriceps, hamstrings, soleus, and gastrocnemius), vertical jump height, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores by palpation, after 3 jump trials, and after single-leg squat (VAS-SLS). The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) questionnaire was used as the primary patient-reported outcome. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the prognostic value of baseline physical tests. The change in VISA-P score was further dichotomized into clinical responsiveness (≥14 points) and nonresponsiveness (<14 points). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate associations between physical response and clinical improvement.
RESULTS
Of the 76 included patients, 67 (88%) had complete follow-ups. The estimated mean VISA-P score increased by 23 points (95% CI, 19-28 points) after 24 weeks. No association was found between any baseline physical test results and a 24-week change in VISA-P score (all > .2, using the likelihood ratio test). Improvement in VAS-SLS after exercise therapy was not associated with VISA-P improvement after adjustment (β = -1.76; = .01; Bonferroni-corrected = .10; = 36.3%). No associations were found between changes in other physical test results and clinical improvement (all > .05).
CONCLUSION
In patients with patellar tendinopathy, physical test results including strength and flexibility in the lower limb, jump performance, and pain levels during pain-provoking tests were not identified as prognostic factors for patient-reported outcomes after exercise therapy. Similarly, changes in physical test results were not associated with changes in patient-reported outcomes after adjustments. These results do not support using physical test results to estimate prognosis or monitor treatment response.
REGISTRATION
NCT02938143 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Topics: Humans; Patella; Case-Control Studies; Exercise Therapy; Athletes; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Tendinopathy; Pain; Patellar Ligament; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37815096
DOI: 10.1177/03635465231200241 -
Clinical Imaging Oct 2023Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a tool that can be utilized to assess biomechanical properties of tendons. Anisotropy, an ultrasound imaging artifact has...
PURPOSE
Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a tool that can be utilized to assess biomechanical properties of tendons. Anisotropy, an ultrasound imaging artifact has been commonly cited as a potential source of error in the accuracy and reproducibility of SWE. The aim of the study was to assess reproducibility in performing SWE of patella tendons and differences in SWE and anisotropy between normal patella tendons and patellar tendinopathy.
METHODS
After obtaining the Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent, we prospectively measured the shear wave velocity (SWV) of patella tendons with and without tendinopathy in 25 volunteers. SWVs were measured in three anatomic planes: longitudinal, perpendicular transverse, and tilted transverse with the probe tilted 15-30° from the perpendicular transverse plane by three operators with varied levels of experience. Anisotropy coefficient (A) was calculated by formula of A = (SWV - SWV) / SWV.
RESULTS
Differences in SWV and anisotropy coefficient between normal tendons and tendons with tendinopathy were significant (p < 0.05). The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility in performing SWE were moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.81-0.95). The mean difference of 95% Bland-Altman limits of agreement for measuring tendon SWV ranged -0.08 to 0.41 (upper 0.08 to 1.14, lower -1.22 to -0.22) between senior and junior operators.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that SWE and anisotropy coefficient are feasible tools to differentiate patellar tendinopathy from normal patella tendons. The reproducibility of performing SWE of patella tendons is moderate to good.
Topics: Humans; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Patellar Ligament; Anisotropy; Reproducibility of Results; Ultrasonography; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Tendinopathy
PubMed: 37633230
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.08.002 -
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics Aug 2023Patella alta is an anatomic risk factor for patellar instability in adolescents that is also linked to the risk factor of trochlear dysplasia. This study aims to...
BACKGROUND
Patella alta is an anatomic risk factor for patellar instability in adolescents that is also linked to the risk factor of trochlear dysplasia. This study aims to determine the age of onset and age-related incidence of patella alta in a pediatric population of patients with patellar instability. We hypothesized that patellar height ratios would not increase with age, suggesting a congenital rather than the developmental origin of patella alta.
METHODS
A retrospective cross-sectional cohort of patients was collected with the following inclusion criteria: patients aged 5 to 18 who had a knee magnetic resonance imaging performed from 2000 to 2022 and the International Classification of Diseases code for patellar dislocation. Demographic information and details of the patellar instability episode(s) were collected with a chart review. Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI) and the Insall-Salvati Ratio (ISR) by 2 observers. Data were analyzed to assess for associations between patellar height ratios and age of the first dislocation and to assess if the proportion of patients categorized as having patella alta changed with age.
RESULTS
The 140 knees included in the cohort had an average age of 13.9 years (SD=2.40; range: 8-18) and were 55% female. Patella alta was present in 78 knees (55.7%) using CDI>=1.2 and in 59 knees (42.1%) using ISR>=1.3. The earliest age patella alta was observed was at age 8 using CDI>=1.2 and age 10 using ISR>=1.3. There were no statistically significant associations between CDI and age without adjustment ( P =0.14) nor after adjustment for sex and body mass index ( P =0.17). The proportion of knees above the CDI threshold for patella alta to the knees below the cutoff did not show a significant change with age ( P =0.09).
CONCLUSIONS
Patella alta, as defined by CDI, is seen in patients as young as 8 years old. Patellar height ratios do not change with age in patients with patellar dislocation, suggesting that patella alta is established at a young age rather than developing during the adolescent years.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III-diagnostic, cross-sectional.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Female; Male; Patellar Dislocation; Joint Instability; Patella; Patellofemoral Joint; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Tibia
PubMed: 37104788
DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002420 -
Journal of ISAKOS : Joint Disorders &... Jun 2024Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is the result of degeneration and loss of articular cartilage of the patella and trochlea, and is a common cause of anterior knee...
Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is the result of degeneration and loss of articular cartilage of the patella and trochlea, and is a common cause of anterior knee pain. PFOA is triggered by insufficient adaptation to overload of the articular cartilage of the PF joint created by abnormal biomechanics. It is important to understand the pathophysiology and natural history to make the diagnosis and to plan treatment. Innate factors including malalignment, patellar instability, kinematic disorders, and acquired factors like trauma, obesity, and endocrine diseases have been found to be causes of PFOA. Genetic predisposition is also described as a contributing cause but without much scientific evidence. The diagnosis will be based on clinical manifestations, such as anterior knee pain aggravated by overloading activities, identification of risk factors, exclusion of referred pain from other pathologies, followed by a systematic and structured physical examination. Imaging will be useful for assessing the presence of early osteoarthritis in the other compartments, for classification of the PFOA, and to identify features to establish an adequate treatment. This paper discusses varying management options for different causes of patellofemoral disease and explains the complexity of the PF joint and its often poorly understood biomechanics.
PubMed: 38897413
DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.06.004