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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 11/2012

01-11-2012 | Musculoskeletal

Prevalence of cartilage lesions and early osteoarthritis in patients with patellar dislocation

Authors: Bernd Vollnberg, Torsten Koehlitz, Tobias Jung, Sven Scheffler, Arnd Hoburg, Dilruba Khandker, Bernd Hamm, Edzard Wiener, Gerd Diederichs

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 11/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

Assessment of cartilage lesions and osteoarthritis (OA) of the patellofemoral joint in patients following lateral patellar dislocation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

MR images of 129 knees (mean age 26 years, range 11–56) grouped as acute (A), recurrent (B), and chronic (C) dislocators were analysed regarding the prevalence and severity of patellofemoral cartilage lesions. Grades of OA were assessed using modified WORMS.

Results

In groups A, B, and C the prevalence of cartilage lesions was 71%, 82%, and 97%, respectively. Most lesions were located on the central patella in groups A and B (central 69% and 78%; medial 56% and 47%; lateral 31% and 42%), whereas group C revealed all regions affected (73%, 61%, and 67%). Of group A, 14% had mild OA and 64% of group B. Group C showed mild OA in 62% and moderate OA in 18%. Cartilage defect size and prevalence of OA was correlated with number of dislocations (r = 0.41 and r = 0.59; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cartilage lesions and early OA are common after patellar dislocation and appear to increase with the frequency of dislocation. Both conditions should be considered when interpreting MRI in such patients, because of implications for treatment.

Key Points

• Cartilage lesions are very common after patellar dislocation.
• The severity of cartilage lesions increases with number of dislocations.
• Osteoarthritis is common after recurrent patellar dislocation, even in young patients.
• Detecting cartilage lesions is important after patellar dislocation.
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Metadata
Title
Prevalence of cartilage lesions and early osteoarthritis in patients with patellar dislocation
Authors
Bernd Vollnberg
Torsten Koehlitz
Tobias Jung
Sven Scheffler
Arnd Hoburg
Dilruba Khandker
Bernd Hamm
Edzard Wiener
Gerd Diederichs
Publication date
01-11-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 11/2012
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2493-3

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