Evaluation of Patella Alignment using Computed Tomographic Image

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was evaluated to find out meaning of patellofemoral alignment related to anterior knee pain using computed tomographic image. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study include 32 cases, 21 persons as a patient group which had been treated due to anterior knee pain related to tight lateral retinaculum from Jan. 1999 to Dec. 1999 and 36 cases, 18 persons as a control group which had no history of anterior knee pain and no abnormal finding malalignment by physical examination. Patellofemoral alignment was evaluated by measuring sulcus angle, congruence angle and lateral patellofemoral angle using computed tomographic images in 0 degrees and 20 degrees knee flexion patellofemoral alignment of the patient group was compared with that of the control group statistically. All 32 cases of the patient group had an arthroscopic lateral release and the patellofemoral alignment was rechecked on computed tomographic images. RESULTS: There was statistically difference between the average measurement of patient group and that of the control group on the computed tomographic images in 0degree and 20degree flexion of the knee. Also the average measurement after lateral release in patient group was corrected significantly. CONCLUSION: Laterally aligned patella during 0 degrees and 20 degrees knee flexion in computed tomographic should not be considered as normal variation but as pathologic condition related to anterior knee pain.