Parametric T2-Mapping in Young Patients with Patellofemoral Disease

Michael Benson¹, ², Nicholas Lesmeister², Mikko J. Nissi¹, ², Jutta Maria Ellermann¹, Elizabeth Arendt²

Patellofemoral joint disorders are common, and are of high socioeconomic relevance as they occur most frequently in young, active patients. They are associated with osteoarthritis in later life. Patella alta (superior patella referenced to the trochlea) is a risk factor for patellofemoral instability and may be an additive factor in the development of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Flattened parametric maps using T2 relaxometry predicted patient specific correlations between patella alta and the location of biochemical cartilage abnormalities. This form of analysis can aid in clinical management of patients with patellofemoral disease, and serve as a reference for cartilage health over time.