Prevalence of Chondromalacia Patella and Its Association with Patellofemoral Joint Morphology among Adults in Ethiopia at Pioneer Diagnostic Center: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional MRI Study.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background
Chondromalacia patella (CP) is characterized by chondral damage of the patellar articular surface, ranging from cartilage softening to fissuring and full-thickness loss. It is a frequent cause of anterior knee pain, and has been associated with altered patellofemoral joint morphology and abnormal tracking. Despite its clinical importance, there is limited evidence from sub-Saharan Africa, and as far as our knowledge, no study from Ethiopia has yet examined the burden of CP or its morphological associations using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and severity of CP on knee MRI among adult patients. In addition, we aim to evaluate patellofemoral morphological and tracking parameters and investigate their association with CP.
Material and methods
An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 333 knee MRI examinations were systematically sampled and reviewed. Each MRI was assessed for the presence and grading of chondromalacia patella, along with measurements of standard patellofemoral morphological parameters. To ensure reliability, both intra-observer and interobserver agreement were evaluate
Results
Chondromalacia patella was identified in 189 cases (59.8%). Both intra-observer and interobserver reliability demonstrated strong agreement. Chondromalacia patella showed a significant correlation with both sex and age. Among the patellofemoral morphological parameters assessed, only patellar height index and patellar tilt demonstrated significant associations with CP. The patellar height index was higher in the CP group (1.256 ± 0.233) compared with the non-CP group (1.19 ± 0.202) (p = 0.007). Similarly, the patellar tilt angle was greater in the CP group (11.45 ± 6.72°) than in those without CP (10.02 ± 6.22°) (p = 0.047).
Conclusion
Chondromalacia patella is a common pathology in our study population. Patellar height index and patellar tilt significantly influence the risk of patellar cartilage degeneration.
Description
Keywords
Chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral morphology, MRI, Ethiopia