The Influence of Tibial Tuberosity-trochlear Groove Distance on Development of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Knee Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Radiology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,iran.

3 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Knee Surgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TGD) measurements play a decisive role in evaluating
patellofemoral joint disorders. However, the prevalence of pathological TT-TGD among patients with patellofemoral
pain remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the size of TT-TGD among patients with patellofemoral
pain syndrome (PFPS) and those with no history of patellofemoral pain.
Methods: A total of 100 cases participated in this case-control study, among whom 53 individuals were in the case
group and 47 individuals were in the control group. TT-TGD was measured by magnetic resonance imaging.
Results: The mean TT-TGD was 12.3±3.3 in patients and 9.3±2.4 in controls (P<0.001). Among patients, we had
totally 34 patients with TT-TG equal or lower than 13 (64.2%) and in 18 patients, it was higher than 13 (34%).
Conclusion: The mean TT-TGD in patients with PFPS was greater than that in the control group (P=0.001). An increase
in TT-TGD can be considered one of the factors behind the development of PFPS.
Level of evidence: III

Keywords

Main Subjects


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