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The femoral sulcus in children. An ultrasonographic study
1Department of Surgery, Aurora Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
The bony intercondylar angle in children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The development of the patellofemoral joint is crucial for knee function.
- Understanding the normal morphologic changes during childhood is essential for diagnosing developmental abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in the bony intercondylar angle and cartilaginous sulcus angle of the femur in children.
- To determine if the patellofemoral articulation is well-developed at birth.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasonography was used to examine the knees of 50 healthy children aged 0-18 years.
- Measurements of the bony intercondylar angle and cartilaginous sulcus angle were recorded.
Main Results:
- The bony intercondylar angle increased with age, becoming deeper throughout childhood.
- The cartilaginous sulcus angle remained relatively constant, ranging from 134 to 155 degrees across all ages.
- The bony angle was flat in infants and developed its shape during growth.
Conclusions:
- The patellofemoral articulation's configuration is well-established by birth.
- The cartilaginous sulcus angle is a stable parameter during childhood growth.
- Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for assessing pediatric knee development.
Abstract:
Both knees of 50 normal children aged from birth to 18 years were examined by ultrasonography to measure the angles of the bony intercondylar and the cartilaginous sulcus on the patellar surface of the femur. The osseous angle was inversely related to the age of the child and was completely flat in the youngest children. During growth it gradually gained depth to assume the shape of the overlying articular cartilage by adolescence. At all ages, however, the angle of the cartilaginous sulcus was between 134 degrees and 155 degrees. This suggests that the configuration of the patellar articulation is already well developed at birth.