Thomas Demirjian , Richard Souza , George Salem , John Crues III , Christopher M. Powers
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Lateral patella tilt and displacement have been reported to be associated with increased risk for early-onset osteoarthritis post ACL reconstruction. It is conceivable that altered patella alignment may expose these individuals to excessive joint stress owing to a reduction in contact area between the patella and trochlear surface of the femur. Therefore, our study objectives were: 1) to compare patellofemoral joint contact area and patellar alignment between females post-ACL reconstruction and healthy controls, and 2) to assess associations between measures of patellar alignment and contact area.
Methods
Forty females between the ages of 18–35 (20 post-ACL reconstruction, 20 matched controls) underwent MR imaging of the patellofemoral joint at 0°, 20°, 40°, and 60° of knee flexion under loaded conditions (35 % bodyweight). Patellofemoral joint contact area, lateral patella tilt and lateral patella displacement were compared between groups and knee flexion angles using repeated measures analysis of variance tests. Pearson correlations evaluated associations between patella alignment and contact area at each knee flexion angle.
Findings
Compared to the control group, females post ACL reconstruction exhibited significantly reduced contact area (differences ranging from 21.6 % to 29.1 %), and elevated lateral patella tilt (differences ranging from 3.7° to 4.9°). No differences in lateral patellar displacement were observed. Lateral patellar tilt was negatively correlated with contact area across all knee angles (r-values ranging from −0.32 to −0.66).
Interpretation
Reduced contact area highlights a potential mechanism by which patellar alignment may be contributory to early cartilage changes post ACL reconstruction.
期刊介绍:
Clinical Biomechanics is an international multidisciplinary journal of biomechanics with a focus on medical and clinical applications of new knowledge in the field.
The science of biomechanics helps explain the causes of cell, tissue, organ and body system disorders, and supports clinicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of treatment methods and technologies. Clinical Biomechanics aims to strengthen the links between laboratory and clinic by publishing cutting-edge biomechanics research which helps to explain the causes of injury and disease, and which provides evidence contributing to improved clinical management.
A rigorous peer review system is employed and every attempt is made to process and publish top-quality papers promptly.
Clinical Biomechanics explores all facets of body system, organ, tissue and cell biomechanics, with an emphasis on medical and clinical applications of the basic science aspects. The role of basic science is therefore recognized in a medical or clinical context. The readership of the journal closely reflects its multi-disciplinary contents, being a balance of scientists, engineers and clinicians.
The contents are in the form of research papers, brief reports, review papers and correspondence, whilst special interest issues and supplements are published from time to time.
Disciplines covered include biomechanics and mechanobiology at all scales, bioengineering and use of tissue engineering and biomaterials for clinical applications, biophysics, as well as biomechanical aspects of medical robotics, ergonomics, physical and occupational therapeutics and rehabilitation.