Assessment of lower limb rotational profile and its correlation with the tibial tuberosity-trochlea groove distance : a radiological study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine whether there is a correlation between the lower limb rotational profile and tibial tuberosity-trochlea groove (TT-TG) distance. Design and patients: The computed tomography cross-sectional imaging on 50 patients' lower limbs (100 limbs) was investigated at our institution. The TT-TG distance was measured along with rotational measurements including femoral version (FV), tibial torsion and knee joint rotation angle (KJRA). Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 had a TT-TG ≥ 20 mm which was considered pathological and group 2 with a non-pathological TT-TG (≤19 mm). Rotational angles were compared between groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test and Mann-Whitney U analysis. Results and conclusions: Our results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the mean KJRA (p = 0.026) between the pathological (mean = 10.6, standard deviation (SD) = 7.79°) and the non-pathological TT-TG groups (mean = 6.99, SD = 5.06°). A higher mean value for FV and tibial torsion was also demonstrated in patients with a pathological TT-TG (18.2 vs. 13.7, 32.8 vs. 30.9, p > 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, there was a statistically significant higher mean value for the KJRA in patients with a pathological TT-TG. Hence, a lateralized tibial tubercle as demonstrated by an increase in the TT-TG distance may be associated with a coexisting lower limb rotational malalignment.