Comparison of three standard radiologic techniques for screening of patellar subluxations

The presence of many "abnormal" types of PF joints in asymptomatic cases and the frequent unilateral complaints in morphologically symmetric joints indicate that emphasis must be placed on factors that cause "abnormal" PF joints to decompensate, rendering them symptomatic. These factors include hyperlaxity, puberty, overuse, or athletic activities. It is our conviction that full understanding of PF problems needs dynamic, three-dimensional motion analysis of patellofemoral relationships. At the present time these imaging techniques do not exist, as they require more powerful computer capacities. The absence of strict and reliable relationships between radiographic anomalies and clinical symptoms brings two reflections about the treatments in symptomatic cases: It is common sense to treat PPS by conservative methods first. Our study indicates that the goal should be to turn the symptomatic patella into an asymptomatic one, rather than correcting maltracking by vastus medialis training. The high failure rates at long-term follow-up of patellar maltracking correction by surgical methods such as lateral release and tibial tubercle transfer show us that correction of part or all of the anomalies does not always make the symptoms disappear. A nice lesson in humility for the orthopedist.