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Acute dislocation of the patella: MR findings
H Virolainen1, T Visuri, T Kuusela
1Department of Radiology, Central Military Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Radiology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reveals consistent findings in acute patellar dislocations, including bone bruising and medial retinaculum tears. This imaging technique is valuable for diagnosing traumatic patellar injuries.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Imaging
- Trauma Imaging
Background:
- Acute patellar dislocation is a common knee injury, particularly in young athletes.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and preventing recurrent instability.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers detailed visualization of soft tissues and bone structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in patients with acute traumatic patellar dislocation.
- To identify consistent imaging features associated with patellar instability.
Main Methods:
- MR imaging was performed at 0.1 T in 25 young male patients with acute patellar dislocation.
- Imaging findings were correlated with surgical findings in 24 patients.
Main Results:
- All 25 patients demonstrated signal intensity abnormalities in the lateral femoral condyle.
- Medial patellar retinaculum tears were identified in all cases.
- Joint effusions and lateral patellar subluxation were common findings.
Conclusions:
- Consistent MR imaging findings in acute patellar dislocation include lateral femoral condyle contusion, medial retinaculum tear, and joint effusion.
- MR imaging is effective in diagnosing key injuries associated with acute patellar dislocation.
- These findings aid in the understanding and management of traumatic patellar instability.