J Orthop Res. 2022 May 22. doi: 10.1002/jor.25384. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
To determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of patella alignment with cartilage relaxation and patients’ self-reported symptoms. Thirty participants with isolated patellofemoral joint (PFJ) degeneration (6 males, 53.7 ± 9.3 years) and 24 controls (12 males, 47.6 ± 10.7 years) were included. Magnetic resonance assessment was performed to provide grading of structural abnormalities, cartilage relaxation times, and patella alignment. Self-reported symptoms were assessed using the self-administrated Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). All participants were examined at baseline and 3 years. Statistical parametric mapping and Pearson partial correlation were used to evaluate the associations between patella alignment with cartilage relaxation times and self-reported symptoms, respectively. The analyses were performed between baseline (cross-sectional) as well as baseline against 3 years (longitudinal). Results indicated that patella height and patella flexion were associated with T1ρ and T2 relaxation times at baseline (percentages of voxels showing significant correlation [PSV] = 10.1 to 24.8%; mean correlations [R] = 0.34 to 0.36; mean p values = 0.015 to 0.026). Further, greater patella lateral alignment, lateral tilt, and lateral spin were associated with longer T2 times at 3 years (PSV = 11.0 to 14.4%, R = 0.39 to 0.44, p = 0.017 to 0.028). Last, a higher patella was associated with a lower KOOS at baseline and at 3 years (R = -0.33 to -0.35). The study suggests that patella malalignment as a risk factor for worsening cartilage health, informing clinicians with a better rehabilitation program that targets PFJ degeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:35598282 | DOI:10.1002/jor.25384
