The complexity of bony malalignment in patellofemoral disorders: femoral and tibial torsion, trochlear dysplasia, TT–TG distance, and frontal mechanical axis correlate with each other

Several anatomic risk factors associated with patellofemoral disorders have been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between bony parameters commonly used to analyze and define patellofemoral malalignment.

Patients with patellofemoral disorders presenting between 2016 and 2018 who underwent a standardized radiographic workup including conventional radiographs, weight bearing full-leg radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee, and torsional analysis using hip–knee–ankle MRI were initially included. Patients with a history of lower extremity fracture and a history of surgical procedures affecting bony alignment or partial/total arthroplasty were subsequently excluded. Radiographs and MRI of all included patients were analyzed by four independent observers. Parameters of interest were: femoral torsion, tibial torsion, trochlear dysplasia, tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance, and frontal mechanical axis. All parameters were compared between patients with low grade and high grade trochlear dysplasia as well as between female and male patients. Correlation of continuous variables was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient. A binary logistic regression model was used for the calculation of odds ratio between different parameters. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the interobserver reproducibility.

A total of 151 patients could be included for detailed analysis. Group comparison revealed that patients with high grade trochlear dysplasia showed significantly higher values for femoral torsion (low grade: 9.8° ± 11.0°, high grade: 16.8° ± 11.5°; p < 0.001) and significantly higher values for TT–TG distance (low grade: 19.0 mm ± 5.0 mm, high grade: 21.9 mm ± 5.4 mm; p = 0.002). No significant difference was found for age, tibial torsion, and frontal mechanical axis. With regard to gender, female patients had higher values for femoral torsion (female: 15.6° ± 11.3°, male: 11.0° ± 12.7°; p = 0.044). The correlation analysis found significant correlation between femoral torsion and tibial torsion (r = 0.244, p = 0.003), femoral torsion and TT–TG distance (r = 0.328, p < 0.001), femoral torsion and frontal mechanical axis (r = 0.291, p < 0.001), and tibial torsion and TT–TG distance (r = 0.182, p = 0.026).

Bony malalignment in patients with patellofemoral disorder is a complex problem given the significant correlation between femoral and tibial torsion, trochlear dysplasia, TT–TG distance, and frontal mechanical axis. Advanced imaging to analyze rotational and frontal plane alignment is recommended in patients with trochlear dysplasia and/or increased TT–TG on standard radiographs and knee MRI. Understanding of the bony pathology in patellofemoral disorders is key to improve the therapeutic and surgical decision.

III, retrospective cohort study.