Discrepancies of Patellofemoral Indices between Supine and Standing Merchant Views

This research was conducted to compare supine and standing Merchant views, to observe radiographic changes of the patellofemoral joint according to weight-bearing conditions, and to evaluate correlation factors affecting patellofemoral joint indices.

Forty-four patients without skeletal problems were selected for this study. Patellar tilt angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, congruence angle, lateral subluxation distance and lateral patellar displacement were measured on each radiograph and evaluated for statistical significance. Possible correlation factors that can affect the radiographic discrepancy were analyzed using the univariate and multivariate regression analysis.

In the standing Merchant view, the patellar tilt angle, congruence angle and lateral patellar displacement were significantly decreased (p<0.001), whereas the lateral patellofemoral angle was significantly increased (p<0.001) compared to that in the supine Merchant view. Thigh width (p<0.001, r(2)=0.22) and radiographic Q-angle (p<0.001, r(2)=0.34) were found correlated with the radiographic discrepancy of congruence angle. Discrepancy of the lateral patella displacement increased as radiographic Q-angle increased (p=0.027, r(2)=0.112).

Compared with the supine Merchant view, standing (weight-bearing) Merchant view showed decreased patella tilt angle, congruence angle, and lateral patella displacement. The results indicate that both supine and standing Merchant views should be considered in the radiographic evaluation of the patellofemoral joint.