Patella Height in Different Ethnic Populations: An Observational Multicenter Study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Knee Joint Anatomy

Background:

• Patella height is critical for knee biomechanics.
• Abnormal patella height (malalignment/maltracking) is linked to patellofemoral pain and disease.
• Limited research exists on the impact of daily activities on patella height and related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of daily squatting/kneeling on patella height.
• To compare patella height in individuals with and without habitual squatting.
• To explore the association between squatting and patellofemoral disease indicators.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 150 subjects.
• Group A: 75 subjects with daily squatting (Muslim prayer).
• Group B: 75 subjects without squatting (non-Muslim).
• Patella height measured using Insall-Salvati (IS) and Blackburne-Peel (BP) ratios.
• Statistical analysis to compare patella height between groups.

Main Results:

• Group A showed a significant increase in patella baja (81.3%) compared to Group B (28%).
• Group B had a higher prevalence of patella alta (34.7%) compared to Group A (1.3%).
• Repeated squatting/kneeling was strongly associated with patella baja.

Conclusions:

• Daily squatting/kneeling is associated with a higher incidence of patella baja.
• The findings suggest biomechanical stresses from hyperflexion may elongate quadriceps fibers, leading to patella baja.
• This highlights a potential link between cultural/religious practices involving squatting and knee health.