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The Evaluation of Trochlear Osseous Morphology: An Epidemiologic Study
Gabriel I Onor1, Sercan Yalcin2, Scott G Kaar3
1Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 19, 2021
Summary
Trochlear dysplasia, a key factor in patellofemoral joint stability, affects approximately 17% of knees, with moderate to severe forms being common. Clinicians demonstrated consistent assessment of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Anatomy
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- The femoral trochlea is crucial for patellofemoral joint stability.
- The prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in the general population remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in a general population.
- To test the hypothesis that while not uncommon, severe trochlear dysplasia has a low prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted.
- Five observers evaluated 692 femoral specimens for trochlear dysplasia.
- High-grade dysplastic trochlea were further subclassified.
Main Results:
- No significant effect of sex or race on dysplasia severity was observed.
- Interobserver and intraobserver reliability for dysplasia grading were excellent and good to excellent, respectively.
- Mild, moderate, and severe trochlear dysplasia were present in 21.4%, 12.7%, and 4.4% (first evaluation) or 23.7%, 12.7%, and 5.1% (second evaluation) of specimens.
Conclusions:
- Clinical experience levels did not impact trochlear dysplasia assessment consistency.
- Approximately 17% of the studied knees exhibited moderate to severe trochlear dysplasia.
- Gross inspection of trochlear dysplasia is consistently described by clinicians.
