Correlation between trochlear dysplasia and anterior cruciate ligament injury.

[trochlear dysplasia]

PURPOSE . To evaluate the correlation between trochlear dysplasia and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL ) injury METHODS . Magnetic resonance images (MRIs ) of 95 knees in 54 males and 36 females aged 4 to 74 (mean , 28 ) years who had anterior knee pain and suspected ligamentous injury were reviewed . The MRIs were independently reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists on 2 occasions . According to the Dejour classification , trochlear dysplasia was classified into types A , B , C , and D . Intra-articular injuries / disorders of the patients included patellofemoral osteoarthritis , chondromalacia patella , meniscal tears , and ligamentous injuries . Intra- and inter-observer variability was calculated . RESULTS . 58 of the knees had trochlear dysplasia , 38 of which were Dejour type A . The intra- and inter-observer variability was good to excellent (Kappa =0 .76 -1 ). ACL tear was the most common injury (n =13 ). No ACL injury occurred in patients without trochlear dysplasia . The odds of having sustained an ACL injury were 8 .8 fold greater in Dejour type -A knees than in non-type -A knees (p =0 .023 ). CONCLUSION . Dejour type -A trochlear dysplasia was associated with ACL injuries .