MRI - based Evaluation of Various Trochlear and Patellar Morphology Indices in Patients Referred with Patellar Instability at a Tertiary Care Center

Background: MRI is essential for identifying anatomical risk factors linked to patellar instability, aiding treatment decisions. Patients without these risk factors and minor medial stabilizer damage can often be managed conservatively. However, those with significant stabilizer damage and anatomical risk factors may require surgery. This study aimed to identify MRI markers of patellar instability. Key factors include increased tibial tubercle -trochlear groove (TT -TG) distance indicating lateralization of the tibial tuberosity, trochlear dysplasia (evident through reduced trochlear depth, increased lateral trochlear inclination, and trochlear facet asymmetry), and patella alta (marked by increased patellar height ratio). Aims: To evaluate trochlear and patellar predisposing factors on MRI in patients with patellar instability. Conclusion: MRI is a safe, accurate, and specific modality for diagnosing knee pathologies across age groups. It effectively detects types and grades of knee pathologies. MRI is the modality of choice in detecting various forms of trochlear and patellar factors predisposing to patellar instability