To assess whether patellar and trochlea morphology and patellar alignment are associated with lateral patellar osteoarthrosis/chondrosis (OAC) in young adults.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of 183 subjects (81 cases, 102 controls) aged 21-35 years of age were evaluated. Quantitative measurements of patella and trochlea morphology and patellar alignment were obtained. Axial and sagittal MRI images were reviewed to grade the severity of focal cartilage defects along the lateral facet of the patella. Controls had knees without any abnormalities and were compared to cases with mild and severe lateral patellar OAC. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between measurements and lateral patellar OAC adjusting for body mass index.
Cases were more likely to have higher Insall-Salvati ratios (OR=350; p<0.001), shorter ratios of the medial to lateral facets of the patella (OR=1.63×10
Patellar and trochlear morphology and patellar alignment are associated with lateral patellofemoral compartment OAC in young adults.