Michael Benson1,
2, Nicholas Lesmeister2, Mikko J. Nissi1, 2,
Jutta Maria Ellermann1, Elizabeth Arendt2
1Center
for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United
States; 2Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, MN, United States
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.