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Open Access 01-05-2018 | Original Paper

The use of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove indices based on joint size in lower limb evaluation

Authors: Peter Wilhelm Ferlic, Armin Runer, Florian Dirisamer, Peter Balcarek, Johannes Giesinger, Rainer Biedermann, Michael Christian Liebensteiner

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The correlation between tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and joint size, taking into account several different parameters of knee joint size as well as lower limb dimensions, is evaluated in order to assess whether TT-TG indices should be used in instead of absolute TT-TG values.

Methods

This study comprised a retrospective analysis of knee CT scans, including 36 cases with patellofemoral instability (PFI) and 30 controls. Besides TT-TG, five measures of knee joint size were evaluated in axial CT slices: medio-lateral femur width, antero-posterior lateral condylar height, medio-lateral width of the tibia, width of the patella and the proximal-distal joint size (TT-TE). Furthermore, the length of the femur, the tibia and the total leg length were measured in the CT scanogram. Correlation analysis of TT-TG and the other parameters was done by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

In the PFI group lateral condylar height (r = 0.370), tibia width (r = 0.406) and patella width (r = 0.366) showed significant moderate correlations (p < 0.03) with TT-TG. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between TT-TG and tibia length (r = 0.371) and total leg length (r = 381). The control group showed no significant correlation between TT-TG and knee joint size or between TT-TG and measures of lower limb length.

Conclusions

Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance correlates with several parameters of knee joint size and leg length in patients with patellofemoral instability. Application of indices determining TT-TG as a ratio of joint size could be helpful in establishing the indication for medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity in patients with PFI.

Level of evidence

Level III

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Title: The use of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove indices based on joint size in lower limb evaluation
Authors: Peter Wilhelm Ferlic
Armin Runer
Florian Dirisamer
Peter Balcarek
Johannes Giesinger
Rainer Biedermann
Michael Christian Liebensteiner
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-017-3531-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The use of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove indices based on joint size in lower limb evaluation

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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