Using the Blackburne-Peel index to measure the patellar height on magnetic resonance images

Abstract

To reveal the normal values of patellar height measurements using the Blackburne-Peel index on magnetic resonance (MR) images and to show the gender and age differences regarding this measurement technique. This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated 148 knee MR images, and those images were re-evaluated to find out the normal values of patellar height using the Blackburne-Peel index (BPI). An adapted measurement technique of this index was applied to MR images. The study group was analyzed regarding the sex and age differences, correlation with age was investigated, and all descriptive data were presented. Independent Samples T-test, Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis, and Spearman’s Rho correlation test was applied to calculate the results. The mean value was 0.80 ± 0.09 for the total of patients. The measurements regarding the height of the inferior edge of the patella articular surface and the length of the patella articular surface indicated a significant difference between females and males (p < 0.001 for both measurements). The descriptive data obtained from this study revealed the mean values of the whole study group, different sexes, and age groups separately. Additional studies are needed for adapting BPI on MR images and verifying the normal values of the population.

A new and simple method for patellar height measurement: Fibula-condyle-patella angle

“…In the Blackburne-Peel method, the more sophisticated measurement technique, the difficulties in finding bone landmarks in osteoarthritis knees, and most importantly, the fact that the tibial slop is highly affected can be listed as the limitations of the technique. [ 18 , 19 ] To eliminate these difficulties that may occur in measurements made using radiography and to make measurements more clearly, Kızılgöz[ 20 ] evaluated the patellar height using the Blackburne-Peel method via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Determining the anterosuperior tibial and patella inferior articular surface in measurements made with the Coton-Deschamps method is difficult in patients with osteoarthritis.…”