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Patella alta and the adolescent growth spurt
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Patella alta, a condition linked to kneecap instability, may be acquired during adolescent growth spurts. Femoral growth rate significantly correlated with patella height, particularly in girls, suggesting an acquired cause in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Patella alta is associated with recurrent patellar dislocation and patellofemoral stress syndrome.
- The etiology of patella alta, whether inherited or acquired, remains unclear.
- Understanding the development of patella alta is crucial for managing associated knee conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between patella height and femoral growth during adolescence.
- To determine if patella alta is an acquired trait influenced by growth rate.
- To explore potential sex-based differences in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of serial orthoroentgenograms (growth study films) in 19 adolescent patients.
- Correlation analysis between proximal patella migration and femoral growth rate.
- Statistical significance assessed at p = 0.01 level.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.85, p = 0.01) was found between femoral growth rate and proximal patella migration in two patients.
- Girls exhibited a higher correlation between patella height and growth rate compared to boys.
- These findings suggest that rapid femoral growth can influence patella positioning.
Conclusions:
- Patella alta can be an acquired condition in some individuals, developing during the adolescent growth spurt.
- Rapid femoral overgrowth during growth may contribute to the development of patella alta.
- This supports the theory of an acquired etiology for patella alta in specific cases, impacting treatment and prevention strategies.