[Analysis of the axis in patients with patellar dislocation]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• Patellar luxations are common orthopedic injuries.
• Understanding the underlying biomechanical factors is crucial for effective treatment.
• Leg and foot deformities can influence patellar stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of defective torsions in the leg skeleton of patients with patellar luxations.
• To compare torsion measurements between patients and a control group.
• To identify potential biomechanical contributors to patellar instability.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) was used to assess torsion conditions of the lower extremity.
• Measurements were taken from 25 patients with patellar luxations.
• A control group comprising 32 femur preparations and 95 sound extremities was included for comparison.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in tibia and femur torsion or tibial tuberosity position between patients and the control group.
• Patients with patellar luxations demonstrated increased external rotation of the tibia relative to the femur.
• This increased rotation is attributed to a lack of medial muscular and ligamentary guidance.

Conclusions:

• Defective torsions of the tibia and femur are not a primary cause of patellar luxations.
• Increased external tibial rotation, due to compromised medial stabilizing structures, is a key finding in patients with patellar luxations.
• Further research into the role of muscular and ligamentary support in patellar stability is warranted.