Kinematic MR imaging of the patellofemoral joint: comparison of passive positioning and active movement techniques

Thirteen patients underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the patellofemoral joint in an evaluation of passive positioning and active movement kinematic MR imaging techniques. Sixteen joints were symptomatic, and 10 were not. Delineation of normal and abnormal patellar alignment and tracking was similar with the two techniques, but kinematic MR imaging performed with active movement allowed a substantial reduction in examination time while permitting evaluation of the contribution of associated activated muscles and soft-tissue structures to patellofemoral joint function.