ABSTRACT

In this study we aimed to define the frequency of disorders that present with anterior knee pain among young male individuals. Study included 121 patients with no history of knee trauma or surgery whom were presented to Orthopedics department with anterior knee pain. All patients were examined and Q angle of each was measured. Anteroposterior, lateral and tangential knee radiography was obtained to define patellar alignment and patella types. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with PD fat-suppression T2 sequence was used to evaluate cartilage and soft tissues. As for the patella types, right knees were Baumgartle type 2 in 66.11 % (n=80) of the patients, while left knees were Baumgartle type 2 in 63.63 % (n=77) of the patients. MRI showed chondromalacia patella in 5 patients (0.04 %), meniscal tear in 4 patients (0.03 %), Quadriceps fat sign in 4 patients (0.03 %), medial plica in 3 patients (0.02 %) and Osgood-Schlatter disease 1 patient (<0.01 %). Mean Q angle was 14.57±2.59 degrees for the right knees and 14.62±2.66 degrees for the left knees. Although physical examination mostly suggested chondromalacia patella in young male adults, this could not be confirmed by MRI. Type 2 patella was the most common type and Q angles were mostly within the normal range.

Keywords: Anterior knee pain, Magnetic resonance, Patella type, Q angle