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Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 3/2010

01-03-2010 | Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine

Comparison of native axial radiographs with axial MR imaging for determination of the trochlear morphology in patients with trochlear dysplasia

Authors: Gian M. Salzmann, Thomas S. Weber, Jeff T. Spang, Andreas B. Imhoff, Philip B. Schöttle

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 3/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

A dysplastic trochlea. may be missed on conventional roentgenography due to superimposition effects of the distal femoral groove.

Methods

Measurements of (1) the sulcus angle, (2) the lateral trochlear slope angle and (3) the lateral to medial trochlear ratio were compared between plain axial radiographs and axial magnetic resonance images (MRI) in 24 patients suffering from clinical patellofemoral instability. Trochlear dysplasia was classified into type A through D on MR images.

Results

Measurements for (1) were significantly different among all dysplasia types. It was 135.6° ± 19.8° on X-ray while it was above 180° on MRI within dysplasia type D patients. Measurements for (2) were different among all dysplasia types, reaching statistical significance in type B dysplasia patients. Differences between radiographs and MRI for (3) were not significant, while only on MRI the ratio increased with increasing degree of dysplasia.

Conclusion

The investigation illustrates that plain axial radiographs do not represent the natural bony trochlear morphology and may mislead further clinical management.
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Metadata
Title
Comparison of native axial radiographs with axial MR imaging for determination of the trochlear morphology in patients with trochlear dysplasia
Authors
Gian M. Salzmann
Thomas S. Weber
Jeff T. Spang
Andreas B. Imhoff
Philip B. Schöttle
Publication date
01-03-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-0912-y

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