Prevalence of trochlear dysplasia in symptomatic isolated lateral patellofemoral osteoarthritis: Transverse study of 101 cases

INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is usually associated with femorotibial osteoarthritis; isolated forms involve several specific risk factors. Trochlear dysplasia (TD) alters stress patterns in the patellofemoral joint, inducing PFOA. The association of TD and isolated PFOA was analyzed without distinguishing medial facet, global and lateral facet involvement. The study hypothesis was that TD prevalence is high in isolated lateral PFOA (ILPFOA). The aim of the study was to assess TD prevalence in a symptomatic ILPFOA population and identify risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients (101 knees) underwent lateral vertical patellectomy (LVP) for symptomatic ILPFOA between November 1998 and September 2019. Demographic, clinical and radiographic data were collected retrospectively from preoperative records. TD was analyzed by 2 blinded surgeons on lateral radiographs. RESULTS: TD prevalence was 88.1%. TD was significantly more advanced in patients under 45 years of age at surgery (64.5% stage 2 or 3; p=0.019). Non-TD cases showed significantly more frequent valgus deformity (83.3%; p=0.042) and overweight (BMI, 32±4.1;