Variable Knee-Joint Morphology In Valgus and Non-valgus Aligned Pediatric Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Lower limb valgus alignment is a known factor in pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
• Understanding knee morphology in relation to alignment is crucial for pediatric ACL injury management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare knee morphology using MRI in pediatric patients with ACL rupture, stratified by lower limb alignment (valgus vs. non-valgus).
• To compare these morphological parameters against a typically developed (TD) cohort without ACL rupture.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using data from a pediatric ACL Injury Registry.
• Preoperative MRI and long-leg radiographs were analyzed for morphological parameters (LFCI, LTS, etc.) and mechanical axis deviation (MAD).
• Statistical analysis (ANCOVA) compared valgus, non-valgus ACL rupture groups, and TD cohort, adjusting for age and sex.

Main Results:

• Valgus-aligned pediatric ACL rupture patients (n=26) showed significantly smaller lateral femoral condyle index (LFCI) and larger lateral posterior slope (LTS) compared to the TD cohort (n=26).
• Smaller LFCI values were also observed in valgus-aligned ACL rupture patients compared to non-valgus-aligned patients with ACL rupture (n=26).

Conclusions:

• Morphological variations exist in pediatric ACL rupture patients when lower limb alignment is considered.
• Valgus alignment in pediatric ACL rupture is associated with specific knee morphology, including reduced LFCI and increased LTS, compared to typically developed individuals.