scholarly journals Increased Tibiofemoral Rotation with Increasing Severity of Patellar Instability in the Pediatric Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0048
Author(s):  
Evan James ◽  
Alexandra Aitchison ◽  
Lindsay Schlichte ◽  
Grace Wang ◽  
Daniel Green ◽  
...  

Objectives: Tibiofemoral rotation (TFR), specifically external tibial rotation, has been recently identified as a potential contributing factor to patellar instability. However, no previous studies have explored the clinical effects of differing degrees of TFR in relation to patellar instability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between severity of instability with degree of TFR. Our hypothesis is that fixed or obligatory dislocators (FOD) are more likely to have increased external TFR (tibial external rotation compared to femur) than standard patellar instability (SPI) patients requiring medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, who will have similar or slightly increased external TFR compared to normal controls. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with patients from 3 cohorts from April 2009 to February 2019: FOD, SPI, and controls with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. All FOD patients from the study time frame were analyzed, while controls and SPI patients were randomly selected. Patients were included for age under 18 years and diagnosis corresponding to one of the three cohorts, and excluded for outside institution MRI, and previous MPFL reconstruction or tibial tubercle osteotomy. TFR was measured on preoperative axial MRI using the posterior femoral and tibial condylar lines (Figure 1). Tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) was measured. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated among 3 measurers. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-test was performed with significance set at α=0.05. Results: A total of 57 patients were included, 19 in each cohort. Average age was 13.2 years (range 10-17 years), with 31 females (54%). ICC for TT-TG and TFR were 0.90 and 0.72, respectively. TT-TG differed between the controls and SPI patients (both P<0.001), and controls and FOD patients (P<0.001), but not between SPI and FOD patients (P=0.12). TFR differed among the three groups: 8.4° (SD 16.7°) external TFR in FOD, 1.6° (SD 5.4°) external TFR in SPI, and 2.5° (SD 5.8°) internal TFR in controls (P=0.0089). FOD patients had significantly greater external tibial rotation than the SPI group (P=0.047). Conclusions: The degree of TFR is correlated with severity of patellar instability, with greater external tibial rotation seen in FOD than SPI patients, while TT-TG was not different. Further information on the relationship of TFR and patellar instability will not only improve understanding of pathogenesis and prognosis, but may also direct surgical treatment strategies in refractory or severe cases.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0023
Author(s):  
Kenneth M. Lin ◽  
Evan W. James ◽  
Lindsay Schlichte ◽  
Grace Wang ◽  
Daniel Green

Background: Tibiofemoral rotation (TFR), specifically external tibial rotation, has been recently identified as a potential contributing factor to patellar instability. However, no previous studies have explored the clinical effects of differing degrees of TFR in relation to patellar instability. Purpose and Hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between severity of instability with degree of TFR. Our hypothesis is that fixed or obligatory dislocators (FOD) are more likely to have increased external TFR (tibial external rotation compared to femur) than standard patellar instability (SPI) patients requiring medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, who will have similar or slightly increased external TFR compared to normal controls. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with patients from 3 cohorts from April 2009 to February 2019: FOD, SPI, and controls with normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. All FOD patients from the study time frame were analyzed, while controls and SPI patients were randomly selected. Patients were included for age under 18 years and diagnosis corresponding to one of the three cohorts, and excluded for outside institution MRI, and previous MPFL reconstruction or tibial tubercle osteotomy. TFR was measured on preoperative axial MRI using the posterior femoral and tibial condylar lines (Figure 1). Tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) was measured. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated among 3 measurers. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-test was performed with significance set at α=0.05. Results: A total of 57 patients were included, 19 in each cohort. Average age was 13.2 years (range 10-17 years), with 31 females (54%). ICC for TT-TG and TFR were 0.90 and 0.72, respectively. TT-TG differed between the controls and SPI patients (both P<0.001), and controls and FOD patients (P<0.001), but not between SPI and FOD patients (P=0.12). TFR differed among the three groups: 8.4° (SD 16.7°) external TFR in FOD, 1.6° (SD 5.4°) external TFR in SPI, and 2.5° (SD 5.8°) internal TFR in controls (P=0.0089). FOD patients had significantly greater external tibial rotation than the SPI group (P=0.047). Conclusions: The degree of TFR is correlated with severity of patellar instability, with greater external tibial rotation seen in FOD than SPI patients, while TT-TG was not different. Further information on the relationship of TFR and patellar instability will not only improve understanding of pathogenesis and prognosis, but may also direct surgical treatment strategies in refractory or severe cases. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text]


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0007
Author(s):  
David Bernholt ◽  
Joseph D. Lamplot ◽  
Eric Eutsler ◽  
Jeffrey J. Nepple

Objectives: Abnormal patellofemoral tracking has been implicated in patellar instability and can be influenced by the bony anatomy and alignment of the femoral trochlea, patella, and tibial tubercle. Tibiofemoral joint rotation has been recently suggested to play a role in patellofemoral kinematics but there has been little investigation of its contribution to patellar instability, including in pediatric and adolescent patients. Methods: A retrospective case-control design was utilized. 30 patients aged 9-18 with a prior patellar dislocation and an MRI of the involved knee were included. Cases were matched for age and gender with controls without patellar instability. Patients with ACL tears, tibial eminence or tubercle fractures, or prior surgery in the involved extremity were excluded. There was no difference in gender, age, height, but BMI was higher in the case group. MRI images taken with knee in extension were analyzed. Tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG), tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL), and tibiofemoral rotation were measured. All measurements were performed by a single reader with excellent intra and interobserver reliability for tibiofemoral rotation (ICC-intra > .954 and ICC-inter > .905) demonstrated in a subset of patients. Results: The TT-TG was increased in patients with patellar instability at 16.3 mm compared to 10.9 mm in controls (p <.001) as was also the TT-PCL at 19.4 mm cases versus 17.6 mm (p=0.02). Tibiofemoral rotation was increased in patients with patellar instability with a mean 6.9° of tibial external rotation compared to 0.8° of tibial internal rotation in controls (p < .001). Overall, 30/41 (75.6%) of patients with patellar instability had tibiofemoral rotation >5° external rotation versus only 3/41 controls (7.3%). There was a strong correlation between TT-TG and tibiofemoral rotation (PCC = 0.776) and a moderate correlation between TT-TG and TT-PCL (PCC = .661). There was only a weak correlation between tibiofemoral rotation and TT-PCL. Conclusion: Increased tibiofemoral rotation is present in patients with patellar instability and may play a role in the pathophysiology of patellar instability. Increased tibiofemoral rotation can lead to an increased TT-TG even when TT-PCL is normal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712097366
Author(s):  
Zhen-Zhen Dai ◽  
Lin Sha ◽  
Zi-Ming Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Peng Liang ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0013
Author(s):  
Alexandra H. Aitchison ◽  
Kenneth M. Lin ◽  
Daniel W. Green

Background: Tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and external tibiofemoral rotation (TFR) through the knee joint have been identified potential contributing factors to patellar instability. In patients with a fixed or obligatory lateral patella dislocation (FOD), the normal force vector of the extensor mechanism is altered, so instead of a direct axial pull to cause extension, it exerts a lateralizing and external rotatory force on the tibia via the tibial tubercle. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate postoperative changes in TT-TG and TFR after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) in two clinical cohorts: standard traumatic patellar instability (SPI) patients and FOD patients. We hypothesized that by surgically relocating the patella in the trochlea, and re-establishing medial sided soft tissue tension, the increased medializing force vector on the patella may exert enough force to alter resting rotation of the tibia in relation to the femur in the FOD group. Methods: A retrospective study was performed from April 2009 to February 2019. FOD and SPI patients under 18 years with available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee before and after MPFLR were eligible. All FOD patients in the time frame were analyzed and SPI patients were randomly selected. Exclusion criteria were outside institution MRI, concomitant alignment procedures done at the time of MPFLR, and prior MPFLR or tibial tubercle osteotomy. TT-TG and TFR (using the posterior femoral and tibial condylar lines) were measured blindly on initial axial MRI. Statistical analysis using a paired sample t-test was performed with significance set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 30 patients were included, 14 in the FOD group and 16 in the SPI group. The mean age at time of surgery was 13.9 years (range 10-17 years), 53% of the cohort was female, and the mean time from surgery to follow-up MRI was 2.0 years. Demographics by group are shown in Table 1. TT-TG and TFR were not significantly different preoperatively versus postoperatively in the SPI group (Table 2). In the FOD group, both TT-TG (17.7 vs 13.7, P=.019) and TFR (8.6 vs 3.1, P=.025) decreased significantly on postoperative MRI. Conclusion: The postoperative decrease in TT-TG and TFR in the FOD group suggests that MPFLR in fixed or obligatory dislocators can improve the external rotation deformity through the level of the joint, and thus may help normalize the forces acting through the extensor mechanism. Tables/ Figures [Table: see text][Table: see text]


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0007
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Joseph Nguyen ◽  
Katelyn Gasik ◽  
Jacqueline Brady ◽  
Beth E. Shubin Stein

Background: Several surgical options exist for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. The treatments can be divided into ligamentous and bony procedures. It is currently unclear which patients require a bony procedure in addition to a soft tissue reconstruction. Purpose: To report the one and two-year outcomes of patients following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction performed in isolation regardless of the patellar height, tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) or trochlear dysplasia. Hypothesis:: Patients will have <5% re-dislocation rate and significant improvements in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) following isolated MPFL reconstruction. Methods: All patients with recurrent patellar instability and without significant unloadable chondral defects, failed previous surgery or pain greater than or equal to 50% as their chief complaint, were prospectively enrolled beginning March of 2014. All patients underwent a primary, unilateral, isolated MPFL reconstruction regardless of concomitant bony pathology for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Patients were followed at standard intervals. PROMs were collected at one year and two year follow up visits. Information on recurrent subjective instability, dislocations, and ability to return to sport (RTS) was recorded. TT-TG and patellar height (using the Caton-Deschamps index) were measured on magnetic resonance images. Results: Overall, 90 patients (77% female; average age 19.4 +/- 5.6 years) underwent a MPFL reconstruction from March 2014 to August 2017; 63 (70%) of whom reached one year follow up, and 35 of these patients (39%) reached 2-year follow-up. No patient experienced a redislocation; 96% of patients at one year and 100% of patients at two years had no subjective patellofemoral instability. RTS rates at one and two years were 59% and 75% respectively. No patient experienced a complication at one year. All patients had a clinically and statistically significant improvement from baseline to 1-year follow-up in the following PROMs: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality of Life (KOOS QOL) (32.7 to 72.0; p<0.001), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (51.4 to 82.6; p<0.001) Kujala (62.2 to 89.5; p<0.001), and all general health PROM. No clinically and statistically significant change was seen between 1- and 2-year follow-ups in all outcome scores (all p>0.05). A non-statistically significant increase was seen in sporting activity of the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS) (13.9 to 16.7 p=0.292) at 2 years. Average patient satisfaction was 9.3 of 10 (10 being most satisfied) at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Average TT-TG was 15.1 +/- 4.0. Average patellar height was 1.25 +/- 0.17. Conclusion: Isolated MPFL reconstruction is an effective treatment for patellar instability and provides significant improvements in PROMs with a low redislocation/instability rate at early 1 and 2 year follow up, regardless of bony pathologies including TT-TG, Caton-Deschamps Index and trochlear dysplasia. The goal of this ongoing prospective study is to follow these patients out for 5 to 10 years to assess what radiologic and physical examination factors predict failure of isolated MPFL reconstruction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1323-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot Sappey-Marinier ◽  
Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet ◽  
Padhraig O’Loughlin ◽  
Herve Ouanezar ◽  
Levi Reina Fernandes ◽  
...  

Background: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is widely acknowledged as an integral part of the current therapeutic armamentarium for recurrent patellar instability. The procedure is often performed with concomitant bony procedures, such as distalization of the tibial tuberosity or trochleoplasty in the case of patella alta or high-grade trochlear dysplasia, respectively. At the present time, few studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of MPFL reconstruction as an isolated intervention. Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of isolated MPFL reconstruction in cases of patellar instability and to identify predictive factors for failure. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed, including all patients who had undergone isolated MPFL reconstruction between January 2008 and January 2014. Preoperative assessment included the Kujala score, assessment of patellar tracking (“J-sign”), and radiographic features, such as trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour classification, patellar height with the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, and patellar tilt. The Kujala score was assessed postoperatively. Failure was defined by a postoperative patellar dislocation or surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability. Results: A total of 239 MPFL reconstructions were included; 28 patients (11.7%) were uncontactable and considered lost to follow-up. Thus, 211 reconstructions were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 5.8 years (range, 3-9.3 years). The mean age at surgery was 20.6 years (range, 12-48 years), and 55% of patients were male. Twenty-seven percent of patients had a preoperative positive J-sign, and 93% of patients had trochlear dysplasia (A, 47%; B, 25%; C, 15%; D, 6%). The mean CDI was 1.2 (range, 1.0-1.7); mean tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, 15 mm (range, 5-30 mm); and mean patellar tilt, 23° (range, 9°-47°). The mean Kujala score improved from 56.1 preoperatively to 88.8 ( P < .001). Ten failures were reported that required surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability (4.7%). Uni- and multivariate analyses highlighted 2 preoperative risk factors for failure: patella alta (CDI ≥1.3; odds ratio, 4.9; P = .02) and preoperative positive J-sign (odds ratio, 3.9; P = .04). Conclusion: In cases of recurrent patellar instability, isolated MPFL reconstruction would appear to be a safe and efficient surgical procedure with a low failure rate. Preoperative failure risk factors identified in this study were patella alta with a CDI ≥1.3 and a preoperative positive J-sign.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sumant Chacko Verghese ◽  
Santosh K. Sahanand ◽  
Nikhil Joseph Martin ◽  
Abhay Harsh Kerketta ◽  
Prashanth Chalasani ◽  
...  

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe the surgical technique of our modification of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, in patients with patellar instability. As per literature, isolated MPFL reconstruction is advocated if tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TTTG) <20 mm. Our study proposes isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with TT-TG <25 mm and aims to determine any predisposing anatomic variants to aid in the treatment algorithm. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 52 patients with patellar instability (TT-TG <25 mm), who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction was undertaken. The study population was divided into two groups; TT-TG <20 mm and TT-TG = 20–24 mm. Both groups were assessed radiologically and on the basis of clinical and functional outcome (KUJALA score), over 5-year follow-up period. Results: The mean age of the study population was 21.98 years, with a female (63.5%) majority. Among the 52 patients included in the study, 39 patients (75%) had TT-TG <20 mm and 13 patients (25%) had TT-TG = 20–24 mm. We noticed statistically significant improvement in both groups with respect to clinical and functional outcome, with no reported complications. None of the patients had patella alta or high grades of trochlear dysplasia. Conclusion: MPFL reconstruction without concomitant bony procedures can be safely performed in patients with a TT-TG <25 mm, in the absence of patella alta or high-grade trochlear dysplasia. Our modification of isolated MPFL reconstruction has shown excellent long-term results. In addition, our technique uses only a single interference screw, thereby reducing cost of surgery and implant hardware.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1331-1337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Joseph Nguyen ◽  
Katelyn Gasik ◽  
Simone Gruber ◽  
Jacqueline Brady ◽  
...  

Background: It is unclear which patients with recurrent patellar instability require a bony procedure in addition to medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Purpose: To report 1- and 2-year outcomes of patients after isolated MPFL reconstruction performed for patellar instability regardless of patellar height, tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, or trochlear dysplasia. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients with recurrent patellar instability and without significant unloadable chondral defects (Outerbridge grade IV), cartilage defects (especially inferior/lateral patella), previous failed surgery, or pain >50% as their chief complaint were prospectively enrolled beginning March 2014. All patients underwent primary, unilateral, isolated MPFL reconstruction regardless of concomitant bony pathology for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Information on recurrent subjective instability, dislocations, ability to return to sport (RTS), and outcome scores was recorded at 1 and 2 years. TT-TG distance, patellar height (with the Caton-Deschamps index), and trochlear depth were measured. Results: Ninety patients (77% female; mean ± SD age, 19.4 ± 5.6 years) underwent MPFL reconstruction between March 2014 and August 2017: 72 (80%) reached 1-year follow-up, and 47 (52.2%) reached 2-year follow-up (mean follow-up, 2.2 years). Mean TT-TG distance was 14.7 ± 5.4 mm (range, –2.2 to 26.8 mm); mean patellar height, 1.2 ± 0.11 mm (range, 0.89-1.45 mm); and mean trochlear depth, 1.8 ± 1.4 mm (range, 0.05-6.85 mm). Ninety-six percent of patients at 1 year and 100% at 2 years had no self-reported patellofemoral instability; 1 patient experienced a redislocation at 3.5 years. RTS rates at 1 and 2 years were 90% and 88%, respectively. Mean time to RTS was 8.8 months. All patients had clinically and statistically significant improvement in mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life (32.7 to 72.0, P < .001), mean International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (51.4 to 82.6, P < .001), and mean Kujala score (62.2 to 89.5, P < .001). No difference existed between 1- and 2-year outcome scores (all P > .05). Conclusion: At early follow-up of 1 and 2 years, isolated MPFL reconstruction is an effective treatment for patellar instability and provides significant improvements in outcome scores with a low redislocation/instability rate regardless of bony pathologies, including TT-TG distance, Caton-Deschamps index, and trochlear dysplasia. Future data from this cohort will be used to assess long-term outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yufeng Lu ◽  
Xiaoyu Ren ◽  
Benyin Liu ◽  
Peng Xu ◽  
Yangquan Hao

Abstract Background : Tibial rotation in total knee arthroplasty remains controversial. The aim was to investigate which anatomical reference was closer to SEA in 10 tibial markers in Chinese adult. Methods : The study included 122 normal lower extremities. 10 axes were drawn on the axial sections: transverse axis of tibia(TAT), axis of medial edge of patellar tendon (MEPT), axis of medial 1⁄3 of patellar tendon attachment (M1/3), Akagi line, Insall line, axis of medial border of tibial tubercle(MBTT),axis of anterior border of the tibia 1-4(ATC1-4). The angles between TAT and SEA as well as the angles between other axes and the perpendicular to SEA were measured. Pairwise differences among the 10 tibial axes were examined using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Results : In all the knees, the mean angles of M1/3, Akagi line, Insall line, MBTT, ATC1, ATC2, ATC3, and ATC4 axes compared to perpendicular of projected SEA were 10.2±5.1°, 1.4±5.0°, 11.9±5.4°, 3.6±4.8°, 12.0±6.9°, 7.2±8.6°, 7.1±10.4°, and 6.6±13.5° external rotation, respectively, and the MEPT axis was 1.6±4.5° internal rotation. The TAT was 4.1±5.3° external rotation compared to SEA. The M1⁄3 and Insall line were significantly externally rotated than Akagi line, MEPT, MBTT, TAT, ATC2, ATC3, and ATC4 axes. There was no significant difference between the TAT axis and the MBTT axis, as well as no significant difference between the ATC2, ATC3, and ATC4 axes. Conclusion : Akagi line, MBTT and TAT show good consistency with SEA in axial femorotibial alignment with knee in extension. The middle segment of the anterior tibial crest also has good alignment consistency with SEA in axial femorotibial alignment, it can be reliable reference mark for rotational alignment of the tibial component in TKA.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yufeng Lu ◽  
Xiaoyu Ren ◽  
Benyin Liu ◽  
Peng Xu ◽  
Yangquan Hao

Abstract Background: Consensus on tibial rotation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the closest anatomical reference to surgical epicondylar axis (SEA) among 10 tibial markers in Chinese adults.Methods: This study included examination of 122 normal lower extremities. Briefly, 10 axes were drawn on the axial sections: transverse axis of tibia (TAT), axis of medial edge of patellar tendon (MEPT), axis of medial 1⁄3 of patellar tendon attachment (M1/3), Akagi line, Insall line, axis of medial border of tibial tubercle (MBTT), and axis of anterior border of the tibia 1-4 (ATC1-4). The mean angles between TAT and SEA and that between other axes and the line perpendicular to SEA were measured. Pairwise differences among the 10 tibial axes were examined by applying one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test.Results: In all the knees, the mean angles of M1/3, Akagi line, Insall line, MBTT, ATC1, ATC2, ATC3, and ATC4 axes were compared to the line perpendicular to the projected SEA and found to be 10.2 ± 5.1°, 1.4 ± 5.0°, 11.9 ± 5.4°, 3.6 ± 4.8°, 12.0 ± 6.9°, 7.2 ± 8.6°, 7.1 ± 10.4°, and 6.6 ± 13.5° external rotation, respectively, and the MEPT axis was 1.6 ± 4.5° internal rotation. The mean angle for TAT was 4.1 ± 5.3° external rotation. The M1⁄3 and Insall line were significantly more externally rotated than Akagi line, MEPT, MBTT, TAT, ATC2, ATC3, and ATC4 axes. No significant differences were noted between the TAT axis and the MBTT axis and among the ATC2, ATC3, and ATC4 axes.Conclusion: The Akagi line, MBTT, and TAT showed good consistency with SEA in the axial femorotibial alignment with knee in extension. The middle segment of the anterior tibial crest also demonstrated good alignment consistency with SEA for the axial femorotibial alignment. Hence, these markers can be used as reliable references for rotational alignment of the tibial component in TKA.


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