Prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in an 1162 retrospective cohort study using CT scans

Hypothesis/purpose

The prevalence of trochlear dysplasia is common in different populations.

Background

The prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in the general population, categorised by sex, race, age, and body mass index, has been sparse. This study aimed to define the prevalence of trochlear dysplasia based on the latter categories.

Study design

Cohort retrospective study.

Methods

1162 skeletal mature healthy femora were obtained from a CT-scan-based modelling system (SOMA). Thin slice CT scans were acquired exclusively for medical indications such as polytrauma (20%), CT angiography (70%) and other reasons (i.e. Total Joint Replacement) (10%). Trochlear dysplasia was measured using Pfirmann’s method. Patient demographics such as age, race and sex were recorded.

Results

The overall prevalence of trochlear dysplasia is 4.5% and is far more common in Asian female patients compared to Caucasian, African and Middle Eastern knees.

Conclusion

Overall, the prevalence of dysplasia in the general population was determined to be 4.5%, with female patients being more likely to suffer from the condition. Patients of Asian and Caucasian race were more likely to have trochlear dysplasia, while Middle Eastern male patients displayed more dysplastic values than their female counterparts.