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Reliability of patellotrochlear index in patellar height assessment on MRI—correction for variation due to change in knee flexion

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Abstract

Objectives

To assess the reliability of patellotrochlear Index (PTI) in patellar height assessment on successive MRI scans in asymptomatic patients.

Materials and methods

Sixty-four patients with two successive MRI scans (128 studies) of the same knee for non-patellofemoral joint symptoms were identified retrospectively. PTI and knee flexion angle were assessed independently by three observers to assess interobserver reliability. The effect of knee flexion on PTI was assessed by comparing the change in values of PTI in each patient correlated with change in knee flexion.

Results

Sixty-four MRIs of patients (M:F) aged between 18 and 35 years (mean 24.6) years were assessed. The mean PTI for initial scan group was 0.33% (95% CI: 0.29–0.37; SD: 0.15) and consecutive scan group was 0.30% (CI: 0.27–0.33; SD: 0.3). The difference was not significant (p = 0.097 using a paired t test) with high inter-observer correlation (0.9) in both sets. Spearman’s rho for knee flexion angle and PTI was found to be positive and statistically significant (0.41; p = 0.001). A linear regression model was derived using a scatter chart of change in PTI with change in knee flexion for each patient. The gradient of the linear regression line was used to estimate a cPTI (corrected PTI) value (corrected to 0 degrees of knee flexion), defined as cPTI = PTI – 1.3a (a = knee flexion angle).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates high inter-observer correlation of PTI on MRI and high test–retest reliability indicating unconscious quadriceps contraction does not change the index sufficiently. Knee flexion significantly alters PTI, increased patellotrochlear engagement with flexion increases the index. We propose use of the formula cPTI = PTI -1.3a to correct the index to 0 degree knee flexion in clinical practice.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the help of Mr. Roman Wesolowski and Mr. Robert Flintham, Clinical Scientists, Department of Medical Physics and Mr. Callum Smith, Department of Imaging, in conducting part of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK

    M. Ahmad, S. Janardhan, S. Amerasekera & S. Choudhary

  2. Institute of Translational Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK

    P. Nightingale

  3. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK

    T. Ashraf

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  1. M. Ahmad
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  2. S. Janardhan
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  3. S. Amerasekera
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Correspondence to S. Choudhary.

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The authors confirm this work complies with ethical principles regarding content of work. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Ahmad, M., Janardhan, S., Amerasekera, S. et al. Reliability of patellotrochlear index in patellar height assessment on MRI—correction for variation due to change in knee flexion. Skeletal Radiol 48, 387–393 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-018-3040-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-018-3040-3

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