Abstract

Background: The patella plays a major role in flexion and extension of the knee. The patella morphology can be a predisposing factor in patella instability. The congruency between the patella and femur affects the kinematics of the patellofemoral joint, contact mechanics of the patellar cartilage, and strain in the underlying bone, whereby higher stresses and strains potentially contribute to cartilage wear and anterior knee pain.

Aim and Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the morphology of facets of patella.

Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the morphology of facets of patella. Ninety-six patella of unknown sex from bone store of Department of Anatomy were included in the study. The patellar morphology and morphometry were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS (v 12.01) software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: In the present study; 96 patella of unknown sex from bone store of Department of Anatomy were included in the study. The mean size of the right lateral facet was 23.34 mm and left lateral facet patella was 23.06. P value was non-significant. The shape of lateral facet was concave in 93.9% in the left patella and 100% in the right patella. The shape of lateral facet was flat in 6.1% in the left patella and 0% in the right patella. The mean size of the right medial facet was 17.68 mm and left medial facet patella was 17.39 mm. P value was nonsignificant. The shape of medial facet was concave in 2% in the left patella and 10.6% in the right patella. The shape of medial facet was convex in 69.4% in the left patella and 61.7% in the right patella. The shape of medial facet was flat in 28.6% in the left patella and 27.6% in the right patella. P value was non-significant.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that the mean size of the right lateral facet was more left lateral facet patella. The shape of lateral facet was concave in 93.9% in the left patella and 100% in the right patella. The shape of lateral facet was flat in 6.1% in the left patella and 0% in the right patella. The mean size of right medial facet was more than left medial facet patella. The shape of medial facet was concave in 2% in the left patella and 10.6% in the right patella. The shape of medial facet was convex in 69.4% in the left patella and 61.7% in the right patella. The shape of medial facet was flat in 28.6% in the left patella and 27.6% in the right patella.

Key words: Patella; Articular Facets; Morphology; Morphometry