[Femoro-patellar instability: radiologic assessment].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Patellofemoral instability is a common orthopedic condition.
• Accurate radiological assessment is crucial for effective treatment planning.
• Existing methods may lack simplicity or reproducibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a straightforward and reproducible radiological evaluation protocol for patellofemoral instability.
• To assist orthopedic surgeons in choosing the most appropriate therapy for patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of radiographs and CT scans from 55 patients (38 female, 17 male, aged 18-32).
• A radiological protocol including conventional radiographs (2 projections) and CT scans (extension with/without quadriceps contraction, 20° flexion).
• Evaluation of patellar height, mobility, trochlear dysplasia, knee valgus, and tibial tuberosity position.

Main Results:

• The proposed protocol provides comprehensive information for evaluating key parameters of patellofemoral instability.
• It assesses patellar height and mobility, trochlear dysplasia, knee valgus, and tibial tuberosity positioning.
• The protocol is accurate, reproducible, and simple to perform across different radiological systems.

Conclusions:

• A simple, quick, accurate, and reproducible radiological protocol for patellofemoral instability has been established.
• This evaluation method provides essential information for orthopedic surgeons to guide therapeutic decisions.
• The protocol is adaptable to various radiological systems, enhancing its clinical utility.