The Blackburne-Peel Index for Determining Patellar Height Is Affected by Tibial Slope

To establish a quantitative relationship between the Blackburne-Peel index and posterior tibial slope in both skeletally mature and skeletally immature individuals and to evaluate the rate at which variation in tibial slope influences changes in patellar height categorization as normal, patella alta, and patella baja.

A consecutive series of lateral knee radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were excluded for rotation, inadequate visible proximal tibia length, and obstructive hardware/pathology. Modified tibial slopes of 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15° were projected anteriorly from the medial tibial plateau as described by Blackburne-Peel. The Blackburne-Peel index was determined at each modified tibial slope interval. Caton-Deschamps and Insall-Salvati indices also were measured for comparison. The rate of Blackburne-Peel index change with increase in posterior tibial slope was quantitatively analyzed.

Fifty skeletally mature and 50 skeletally immature radiographs were included. In the skeletally mature, Blackburne-Peel indices decreased on average by 0.037, 0.044, and 0.049 as posterior tibial slope increased from 0-5°, 5-10°, and 10-15°, respectively. In the skeletally immature, Blackburne-Peel indices decreased on average by 0.045, 0.053, and 0.059 as posterior tibial slope increased from 0-5°, 5-10°, and 10-15°, respectively. Overall, 29 individuals with 0° of tibial slope were categorized as patella alta by the Blackburne-Peel index, and only 16 (55%) remained categorized as patella alta after increasing their posterior tibial slope to 15°.

This study quantitatively demonstrates the relationship between posterior tibial slope and the Blackburne-Peel index. As expected, as posterior tibial slope increases, the Blackburne-Peel index decreases. While the change in the Blackburne-Peel index per 5° change in tibial slope appears to be small, nearly half (45%) of individuals categorized as patella alta with 0° of tibial slope were categorized as normal when their posterior tibial slope was systematically increased from 0° to 15°. When evaluating patellar height, it is important to understand how tibial slope affects the Blackburne-Peel Index measurement.

As posterior tibial slope increases, the numerator of the Blackburne-Peel ratio decreases, and vice versa. This relationship can lead to incorrect assessment of patellar height. Objectively placing individuals into patella alta and baja categories may influence patient care and decision making.