Assessing the Correlation Between Patellar Height and Chondromalacia in the Patellofemoral Compartment

Abstract

Sami Sebastian Samra. Assessing the correlation between patellar height and chondromalacia in the patellofemoral compartment. Kristina Valatkevičiene. Aim of the study: To evaluate the impact of patellar anatomical height and shape on cartilage damage in the patellofemoral joint. Objectives of the study: 1. Evaluating different MRI images in the sagittal and axial plane in subjects in the age range between twenty and forty that has not undergone any previous knee surgery. 2. Assessing the patellar height using the Insall–Salvati ratio based on MRI examinations. 3. Determine if there is correlation between patellar shape and chondromalacia in the patellofemoral joint. Research methodology and methods: This retrospective study used a multitude of databases including PubMed, Access Medicine, UpToDate, and NCBI. The search conducted, consisted of utilizing keywords such as “Insall Salvati ratio”, “Patellar type” and “chondromalacia patella”, and related terms. MRI imagining was used to collect data in sagittal and axial plane. 50 patients were investigated during this study which all were previously registered in radiological database used in the Hospital of Lithuanian university of health sciences Kaunas clinics. SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used for the data as well as calculating correlation. Total of 21 sources was selected for analysis. Results: This study concluded that there was a correlation between the f2 and f6 compartment in patients with chondromalacia patella, Insall Salvati ratio and patellar morphology that can help diagnose degenerative disease in some compartments. However, the correlation is not strong enough to generalize the outcome of chondromalacia patella based solely on Insall Salvati ratio and patellar morphology. Conclusion: Although there was a scientifically statistical correlation between the Insall Salvati ratio and chondromalacia patella it is not enough to predict development of the condition regarding one of these variables. Therefore, this study concludes the importance of different variables in terms and regards to manage, predict and treat chondromalacia of the patella. Recommendations: With patients that has patella alta or baja it can be optimal to strengthen the muscles and joints around the patellofemoral compartment. It is recommended after the diagnosis of chondromalacia patella with magnetic resonance imagining applying conservative treatment before the use of any invasive options to decrease the symptoms of the condition and improve quality of life.