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Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance: normal values for males and females

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report normal values of the tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance (TTTG) in males and females and assess the reliability of MRI in measuring TTTG.

Methods

Patients presenting with a suspected meniscus injury without any patellofemoral or ligamentous instability, and arthroscopically normal cruciate ligaments and patellofemoral joints were included in the study. K-PACS© was used for MRI analysis and was performed by three observers blinded to each others’ measurements.

Results

One hundred patients (57 males, 43 females) were recruited from 2006–2010. The mean TTTG in males was 9.91 mm (95% CI 8.9–10.8 mm) and in females 10.04 mm (95% CI 8.9–11.1). The coefficient of variation was <10% for both intra and inter-observer analysis.

Conclusions

The normal TTTG distance is 10 ± 1 mm with MRI being a reliable method of measurement. Literature supports a high degree of variability in reporting TTTG. This study establishes normal TTTG values, which will help in the assessment and treatment of patellofemoral disorders.

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Conflict of Interest

Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Surgery, Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth, New Zealand

    Salil Pandit, Julian Stoddart & Tim Lynskey

  2. Department of Statistics, Otago Medical School, Otago, New Zealand

    Chris Frampton

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  1. Salil Pandit
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  2. Chris Frampton
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  3. Julian Stoddart
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  4. Tim Lynskey
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Correspondence to Salil Pandit.

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Pandit, S., Frampton, C., Stoddart, J. et al. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance: normal values for males and females. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 35, 1799–1803 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-011-1240-8

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