Comparative analysis of patellofemoral anthropometry by gender using magnetic resonance imaging

Patellofemoral instability affects women more often than men. Anatomical differences between the sexes lead to disturbances in patellofemoral alignment. Some of the key structural factors that contribute to patellar instability include trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, an increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and lateral tilt of the patella. The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital. Patients with a history of patellar instability, history of fracture in the knee area, lower extremity deformity, history of knee ligament surgery and hyperlaxity were excluded. A total of 86 knee MRIs (45 men and 41 women) performed measurements of trochlear profile, patellar position, lateralization of the tibial tuberosity and patellar profile. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical analysis in the form of an Independent T-Test with the alternative Mann Whitney U-Test. The results of the study show significant differences between groups. There were differences in facet asymmetry (p<0.02), the depth of the trochlea (p<0.03), the Insall Salvati Index (p<0.01), the Caton Deshcamp Index (p<0.01), the bisection of the index (p<0.01), the Tibial Tuberosity-Posterior Cruciate Ligament (TT-PCL) (p<0.016), and the profile of the patella (Cranio Caudal Length, Transverse Length, Anteroposterior Length, Circumference, and Patellar Area) (p<0.001). Patellofemoral anthropometry shows significant gender differences. In women, a shallower trochlear groove, wider lateral facets, a higher and more lateral patellar position, and a smaller patellar profile are observed. These factors may contribute to the higher susceptibility of women to patellofemoral instability.