Study of Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis Using Weight-Bearing CT Imaging to Measure Patellofemoral Joint Features

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the patellofemoral joint PFJ, where the kneecap meets the thigh bone, to better understand its structure and how it relates to knee pain and symptoms. The study focuses on people with PFJ pain, commonly called runners knee, and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis OA, a condition where knee cartilage wears away causing pain and stiffness. Using weight-bearing computed tomography WBCT, the research aims to capture the joints features in natural, loaded positions to improve diagnosis and treatment. The study uses WBCT imaging to take detailed three-dimensional pictures of the knee while the leg is straight and slightly bent. This method shows how the kneecap moves and aligns under normal weight-bearing conditions, which may reveal links between joint shape and knee symptoms. Participants include those with PFJ pain isolated to the front of the knee and those with symptomatic knee OA affecting other parts of the knee. The imaging is done once during the study to measure various alignment features like tilt and height of the patella. Participants will be asked to undergo a single WBCT imaging session while standing safely with support. Researchers will analyze several knee alignment parameters such as TT-TG, reTRF, and congruence angle to understand their association with symptoms. The study lasts one day per participant, with measurements focused on knee structure under natural load. Safety considerations include the ability to stand for two minutes during imaging, and the study excludes those with bilateral knee replacements or pregnancy.

Assessing the Association Between WBCT PFJ Morphological Metrics and Knee Symptoms