Development of an innovative measurement method for patellar tracking disorder

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Patellofemoral joint disease diagnosis relies on various parameters.
• Patellar tracking, the patella's movement during knee flexion/extension, is a potential diagnostic indicator.
• Current clinical evaluation of patellar tracking is often static and lacks quantitative dynamic assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diagnostic utility of patellar tracking measurements for patellofemoral joint disease.
• To review and analyze existing methodologies for measuring patellar tracking.
• To identify gaps in current research and clinical application of patellar tracking analysis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, PsychINFO, and AMED databases.
• Analysis of studies based on patellar tracking coordinate systems, measurement objects, precision, and methods.
• Evaluation of reported results concerning static displacement and inclination measurements.

Main Results:

• Significant variability exists in coordinate system origins and measurement methodologies across studies.
• Most research focuses on static patellar displacement and inclination, not dynamic motion.
• In vivo, noninvasive, six degrees of freedom evaluations offer more comprehensive motion assessment but vary in approach.

Conclusions:

• Patellar tracking measurement shows potential as a diagnostic parameter for patellofemoral joint disease.
• A need exists for standardized, dynamic, and quantitative patellar tracking measurements in clinical practice.
• Accurate quantitative measurements can enhance clinical evaluation of knee joint stability.