Relationship between trochlear morphology and lateral patellar cartilage defect using MR Imaging

Aim: The present study aimed to compare trochlear morphology observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with lateral patellar cartilage defect and age-matched-pair control patients without cartilage defect. Methods: A total of 75 patients with MRI-verified grade 3/4 lateral patellar cartilage defect were compared with matched-pair control patients without cartilage defects of the patellofemoral joints. Axial sequences were used to detect and evaluate patellar cartilage defects. Trochlear morphology was assessed on the basis of lateral trochlear inclination (LTI), medial trochlear inclination (MTI), sulcus angle (SA), trochlear facet asymmetry (FA), and trochlear width (TW) on axial MR images. Results: SA was higher for both sexes in the cartilage defect group than in the control group (p 0.05). FA for both sexes was significantly lower in the cartilage defect group than in the control group (p < 0.05). TW was significantly higher in the cartilage defect group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, TW of females in the cartilage defect group was significantly higher than that of females in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Flattened lateral trochlea is a risk factor for structural damage to the cartilage of the lateral patellofemoral joint, particularly in females.