J Knee Surg 2021; 34(09): 918-923
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3402077
Original Article

The Distance between Tibial Tubercle and Trochlear Groove Correlates with Knee Articular Torsion

1   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
,
Mauricio Guzmán
3   Division of Imagenology, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
,
Cristian Barrientos
1   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
,
Álvaro Zamorano
1   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
,
Miguel Palet
1   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
,
Jaime Hinzpeter
1   Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
,
Collaborating Authors
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

This study aims to correlate the tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance with knee axial alignment. The hypothesis is that as internal torsion of the distal femur or external torsion of the proximal tibial increases, the TT-TG distance increases. We designed a cross-sectional study approved by our institutional ethics review board. We reviewed 32 computed tomography angiographies of patients that have nonjoint or bone-related symptoms. Distal femoral torsion, proximal tibial torsion, knee articular torsion (AT), and TT-TG distance were measured. A regression analysis between the TT-TG distance and the AT was performed. A positive correlation between the TT-TG distance and the AT was found. An increase in external torsion of the proximal tibial or an increase in internal torsion of the distal femur increases the TT-TG distance. For a correct interpretation of the TT to trochlear groove distance, we propose that the axial alignment should be included in the regular analysis of patellofemoral disease.



Publication History

Received: 21 May 2019

Accepted: 10 November 2019

Article published online:
06 January 2020

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