The tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance; a comparative study between CT and MRI scanning

Abstract Background Our objective was to obtain normal patellofemoral measurements to analyse sex and individual differences. In addition, the absolute values and indices of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances are still controversial in clinical application. A better method to enable precise prediction is still needed. Methods Seventy-eight knees of 78 participants without knee pathologies were included in this cross-sectional study. A CT scan was conducted for all participants and three-dimensional knee models were constructed using Mimics and SolidWorks software. We measured and analysed 19 parameters including the TT-TG distance and dimensions and shapes of the patella, femur, tibia, and trochlea. LASSO regression was used to predict the normal TT-TG distances. Results The dimensional parameters, TT-TG distance, and femoral aspect ratio of the men were significantly larger than those of women (all p values < 0.05). However, after controlling for the bias from age, height, and weight, there were no significant differences in TT-TG distances and anterior-posterior dimensions between the sexes (all p values > 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients between the anterior femoral offset and other indexes were consistently below 0.3, indicating no relationship or a weak relationship. Similar results were observed for the sulcus angle and the Wiberg index. Using LASSO regression, we obtained four parameters to predict the TT-TG distance (R2 = 0.5612, p < 0.01) to achieve the optimal accuracy and convenience. Conclusions Normative data of patellofemoral morphology were provided for the Chinese population. The anterior-posterior dimensions of the women were thicker than those of men for the same medial-lateral dimensions. More attention should be paid to not only sex differences but also individual differences, especially the anterior condyle and trochlea. In addition, this study provided a new method to predict TT-TG distances accurately.

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Change of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance during total knee arthroplasty had no influence on clinical outcome and anterior knee pain

International Orthopaedics ◽

10.1007/s00264-021-05074-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Silvan Hess ◽

Timo Fromm ◽

Filippo Schiapparelli ◽

Lukas B. Moser ◽

Emma Robertson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

T Test ◽

Tibial Tuberosity ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Femoral Mechanical Angle ◽

Tibial Mechanical Angle ◽

Total Knee

Abstract Purpose The main purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between the change of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A total of 52 knees undergoing TKA due to primary osteoarthritis were included in this retrospective study. All patients had pre- and postoperative CT scans. TT-TG distance was measured by two independent observers and the following alignment parameters were measured: hip-knee ankle angle (HKA), femoral mechanical angle (FMA), tibial mechanical angle (TMA), and posterior condylar angle (PCA). Clinical outcome was assessed using Knee Society Score (KSS) pre- and post-operatively and at a minimum of 12-month follow-up. Evidence of AKP was noted from follow-up reports. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using a paired Student t-test. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the influence of TT-TG on clinical outcome and of alignment parameters on the change in TT-TG. TT-TG between patients with and without AKP was compared using unpaired Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Results Neither the absolute postoperative TT-TG nor the amount of change in TT-TG correlated with the post-operative KSS or the change in KSS. Post-operative TT-TG and change in TT-TG did not differ significantly between patients with and patients without AKP. Only the change in FMA showed a correlation with the change in TT-TG (p = 0.01, r = 0.36). Conclusion Despite a missing correlation between outcomes and TT-TG distance in this study, excessive TT-TG distance should be avoided. Furthermore, surgeons need to be aware that changes in femoral joint line orientation might affect TT-TG distance.

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Comparing the Tibial Tuberosity–Trochlear Groove Distance Between CT and MRI in Skeletally Immature Patients With and Without Patellar Instability

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120973665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 232596712097366

Author(s):

Zhen-Zhen Dai ◽

Lin Sha ◽

Zi-Ming Zhang ◽

Zhen-Peng Liang ◽

Hao Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patellar Instability ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Control Group ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Skeletally Immature ◽

Bony Landmarks ◽

The Difference ◽

Ct And Mri

Background: The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance was originally described for computed tomography (CT), but it has been measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with patellar instability (PI). Whether the TT-TG measured on CT versus MRI can be considered equivalent in skeletally immature children remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate in skeletally immature patients (1) the effects of CT versus MRI imaging modality and cartilage versus bony landmarks on consistency of TT-TG measurement, (2) the difference between CT and MRI measurements of the TT-TG, and (3) the difference in TT-TG between patients with and without PI. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively identified 24 skeletally immature patients with PI and 24 patients with other knee disorders or injury but without PI. The bony and cartilaginous TT-TG distances on CT and MRI were measured by 2 researchers, and related clinical data were collected. The interrater, interperiod (bony vs cartilaginous), and intermethod (CT vs MRI) reliabilities of TT-TG measurement were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. Results: The 48 study patients (19 boys, 29 girls) had a mean age of 11.3 years (range, 7-14 years). TT-TG measurements had excellent interrater reliability and good or excellent interperiod reliability but fair or poor intermethod reliability. TT-TG distance was greater on CT versus MRI (mean difference, 4.07 mm; 95% CI, 2.6-5.5 mm), and cartilaginous distance was greater than bony distance (mean difference, 2.3 mm; 95% CI, 0.79-3.8 mm). The TT-TG measured on CT was found to increase with the femoral width. Patients in the PI group had increased TT-TG distance compared with those in the control group, regardless of landmarks or modality used ( P > .05 for all). Conclusion: For skeletally immature patients, the TT-TG distance could be evaluated on MRI, regardless of whether cartilage or bony landmarks were used. Its value could not be interchanged with CT according to our results; however, further research on this topic is needed.

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End-stage extension of the knee and its influence on tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) in asymptomatic volunteers

Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy ◽

10.1007/s00167-012-2357-z ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 214-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Tobias J. Dietrich ◽

Michael Betz ◽

Christian W. A. Pfirrmann ◽

Peter P. Koch ◽

Sandro F. Fucentese

Keyword(s):

Tibial Tuberosity ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Asymptomatic Volunteers ◽

End Stage

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A Comparative Study of CT and MRI for Evaluating Hepatic Malignant and Focal Nodules Based on ROC Curves

Applied Magnetic Resonance ◽

10.1007/s00723-011-0290-9 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 127-135

Author(s):

Eun-Hoe Goo ◽

Kyung-Rae Dong ◽

Dae Cheol Kweon ◽

Jae-Seung Lee ◽

Moon-Jib Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Roc Curves ◽

Ct And Mri

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CT and MRI Measurements of Tibial Tubercle to Trochlear Groove Distances (TT-TG) Are Not Equivalent (SS-22)

Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.arthro.2013.03.029 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. e11

Author(s):

Aaron Krych ◽

Christopher Camp ◽

Jeffrey Bond ◽

Mark Collins ◽

Michael Stuart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Mri Measurements ◽

Ct And Mri

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Comparative Study between CT and MRI in Assessment of Laryngeal Cartilage Invasion in Laryngeal Carcinoma

The Medical Journal of Cairo University ◽

10.21608/mjcu.2021.184488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 89 (6) ◽

pp. 873-880

Author(s):

SHAIMA F. ELKHOLY, M.D.; MOHAMED A. KANDEEL, M.Sc. ◽

MOMEN A. AMEEN HAMELA RAMY E. IBRAHIM ASAAD

Keyword(s):

Comparative Study ◽

Laryngeal Carcinoma ◽

Laryngeal Cartilage ◽

Cartilage Invasion ◽

Ct And Mri

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Good Operative Effects of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty Combined With the Tibial Tubercle Transfer for Isolated Patellofemoral Arthritis Patients With an Increased Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance

10.21203/rs.3.rs-291693/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Conglei Dong ◽

Chao Zhao ◽

Ming Li ◽

Huijun Kang ◽

Kang Piao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patellofemoral Joint ◽

Tibial Tuberosity ◽

Tibial Tubercle ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Patellofemoral Arthritis ◽

Patellofemoral Arthroplasty ◽

Group I ◽

Tibial Tubercle Transfer ◽

Group Ii

Abstract BackgroundThe objective of present study was to investigate the operative effect of patellofemoral arthroplasty combined with the tibial tubercle transfer for isolated patellofemoral arthritis patients with an increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (>20mm). MethodsA prospective study was performed between November 2012 and December 2017. Finally, thirty-six cases, with a mean age of 61.1 ± 7.3 years, were admitted to our study. A total of 17 patients underwent patellofemoral arthroplasty combined with tibial tubercle transfer, and 19 patients underwent patellofemoral arthroplasty only. All eligible patients had CT scans preoperatively and at 12 months follow-up, to assess the stability of the patellofemoral joint on axial slices. In addition, the demographic and clinical features of all the patients were asked. Knee balance was assessed with the single leg stance test and timed get up and go, and functionality was evaluated with stair climbing test and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. (P>0.05) ResultsPreoperatively, the data regarding the knee balance and functionality were not significantly different between the two Groups (P>0.05). Many measurements showed significant differences between the two groups at the last follow-up. Significant differences were seen in well-known measurements such as the SLST (Group I, 28.9 s (SD 7.5); Group II, 20.3 s (SD 5.9); p < 0.001), TGUG (Group I, 13.4 s (SD 3.2); Group II, 16.8 s (SD 3.1); p < 0.001), and SCT (Group I, 18.6 s (SD 6.8); Group II, 24.5 s (SD 8.7); p < 0.001). Additionally, the median WOMAC score was improved from 62.7 (SD 11.2) preoperatively to 25.7 (SD 8.2) one year postoperatively in Group I and from 64.1 (SD 10.7) to 36.2 (SD 9.7) in Group II, which were also significantly different between the groups. ConclusionsFor such special IPA patients with an increased TT-TG (>20mm), the combined operation of PFA combined with TTT can better restore the involutional relationship of patellofemoral joint and further improve the balance and function of knee joint.

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Clinical Comparison of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With or Without Tibial Tuberosity Transfer for Recurrent Patellar Instability

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211037716 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110377

Author(s):

Jong-Min Kim ◽

Jae-Ang Sim ◽

HongYeol Yang ◽

Young-Mo Kim ◽

Joon-Ho Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Patellar Instability ◽

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽

Tibial Tuberosity ◽

Mpfl Reconstruction ◽

Trochlear Groove ◽

Functional Failure ◽

Radiological Parameters ◽

Recurrent Patellar Instability

Background: No clear guidelines or widespread consensus has defined a threshold value of tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance for choosing the appropriate surgical procedures when additional tibial tuberosity osteotomy (TTO) should be added to augment medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes between MPFL reconstruction and MPFL reconstruction with TTO for patients who have patellar instability with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients who underwent surgical treatment using either MPFL reconstruction or MPFL reconstruction with TTO for recurrent patellar instability with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm; the mean follow-up was 25.2 months (range, 12.0-53.0 months). The patients were divided into 2 groups: isolated MPFL reconstruction (iMPFL group; n = 36) performed by 2 surgeons and MPFL reconstruction with TTO (TTO group; n = 45) performed by another 2 surgeons. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Kujala score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Tegner activity score. Radiological parameters, including patellar height, TT-TG distance, patellar tilt, and congruence angle were compared between the 2 groups. Functional failure based on clinical apprehension sign, repeat subluxation or dislocation, and subjective instability and complications was assessed at the final follow-up. We also compared clinical outcomes based on subgroups of preoperative TT-TG distance (15 mm ≤ TT-TG ≤ 20 mm vs 20 mm < TT-TG ≤ 25 mm). Results: All of the clinical outcome parameters significantly improved in both groups at the final follow-up ( P < .001), with no significant differences between groups. The radiological parameters also showed no significant differences between the 2 groups. The incidence of functional failure was similar between the 2 groups (3 failures in the TTO group and 2 failures in the iMPFL group; P = .42). In the TTO group, 1 patient experienced a repeat dislocation postoperatively and 2 patients had subjective instability; in the iMPFL group, 2 patients had subjective instability. The prevalence of complications did not differ between the 2 groups ( P = .410). In the subgroup analysis based on TT-TG distance, we did not note any differences in clinical outcomes between iMPFL and TTO groups in subgroups of 15 mm ≤ TT-TG ≤ 20 mm and 20 mm < TT-TG ≤ 25 mm. Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction with and without TTO provided similar, satisfactory clinical outcomes and low redislocation rates for patients who had patellar instability with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm, without statistical difference. Thus, our findings suggest that iMPFL reconstruction is a safe and reliable treatment for patients with recurrent patellar dislocation with a TT-TG distance of 15 to 25 mm, without the disadvantages derived from TTO.

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