Prevalence of patellar chondropathy on 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Objective: To establish the prevalence of patellar chondropathy using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the findings with individual features such as gender, age, and body mass index. Materials and Methods: Data consisted of collecting 3T MRIs of patients’ knees obtained between October 2016 and September 2017, comprising a period of 12 months. These MRIs were assessed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist who confirmed the presence of patellar chondropathy and, when present, rated the finding into the four grades ascribed by the International Cartilage Repair Society. Results: A total number of 291 patients were assessed during the period with 389 MRI scans. Of those patients, 308 (79.2%) were diagnosed with patellar chondropathy, while 81 (20.8%) were not. Chondropathy was more prevalent in the female gender, in subjects above 40 years of age, and in obese patients. When the results were weighed in International Cartilage Repair Society classification, the milder grades (1 and 2) were seen in younger men (< 30 years of age), while the more severe grades (3 and 4) were mostly present in females, those above 40 years of age, and in obese patients. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of patellar chondropathy in patients who had undergone high-field knee MRIs (79.2%), being highest in the female gender and in subjects above 40 years of age. The most prevalent group was graded as 4 by the International Cartilage Repair Society classification.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of common peroneal nerve injury in acute and subacute posterolateral corner lesion: a retrospective study

“…A number of recent studies conducted in Brazil have highlighted the important role that imaging methods play in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system (36)(37)(38)(39)(40) . In our study, the prevalence of imaging alterations in the CPN was high (36.8-39.4%), and the levels of interobserver and intraobserver agreement for these abnormalities were excellent (Figure 6).…”

Patellar chondropathy: a brief overview of its history and prevalence

“…As demonstrated by Outerbridge ( 1 ) , softening is only the initial stage of the chondral injury process. Therefore, terms such as chondropathy and chondral lesion better represent the spectrum of chondral involvement, as mentioned in the article by Krieger et al ( 2 ) , published in the previous issue of Radiologia Brasileira .…”

“…There are several classifications for the assessment of chondral lesions, generally based on size, depth, tissue quality, and whether or not the subchondral bone is involved. The most traditional and well-known include that devised by Outerbridge ( 1 ) , whereas one of the most recent and detailed is the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification ( 2 ) .…”

“…The study conducted by Krieger et al ( 2 ) took an approach different than that taken in most previous articles, because it emphasizes the identification of chondral lesions and more detailed mapping of their prevalence by gender, age, and body mass in high-field-strength (3.0 T) MRI scanners, thereby providing a better overview of the presentation of chondral lesions. In at least two respects, the results of their study are surprising.…”

“…The Krieger et al (2) article will certainly be of interest to all radiologists whose work involves the interpretation of knee examinations, because this notion of the prevalence of patellar chondropathy and its classification is quite relevant. In addition, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0100-3984.2021.54.1e1 Editorial from a more scientific point of view, their findings may lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at clarifying the correlation between chondral lesions and clinical symptoms, as well as determining their population incidence and evaluating the patterns of their progression over time.…”