The lateral patellar retinaculum is thicker in paediatric and adolescent patients with patellofemoral instability: An MRI analysis
Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the thickness of the lateral patellar retinaculum (LPR) and patellar tilt in paediatric and adolescent patients who undergo a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The authors hypothesise that patients undergoing MPFL reconstr...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/jeo2.70202 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the thickness of the lateral patellar retinaculum (LPR) and patellar tilt in paediatric and adolescent patients who undergo a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The authors hypothesise that patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction will have a thicker LPR and increased patellar tilt when compared to a comparison cohort. Methods Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent an MPFL reconstruction was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they had a proton density preoperative axial MRI performed internally at our institution. Included patients were matched to a comparison cohort. LPR thickness and patellar tilt were measured on MRI. LPR thickness and patellar tilt were compared between the MPFL cohort and the comparison cohort. Results A total of 363 patients were identified. 145 participants were successfully matched to the comparison cohort. The mean age in the MPFL cohort was 14.4 ± 2.0 years and 68% were female. The LPR thickness in the MPFL cohort was significantly greater than the LPR thickness in the comparison cohort (p < 0.001). The patellar tilt was significantly greater in the MPFL cohort compared to the control cohort (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction and the occurrence of a lateral release/lengthening procedure. Conclusion The LPR was significantly thicker on preoperative MRI in patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction compared to a comparison cohort, indicating that increased LPR thickness is a potential marker of patellofemoral instability on imaging. Level of Evidence Level III. |
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| ISSN: | 2197-1153 |