Imaging patellofemoral joint using ultrasound: a preliminary report. A comparison between normal subjects and patients with patellar maltracking

The aim of this study was to identify the feasibility of ultrasound to image the patellofemoral joint in the first 40° of flexion. Two matched groups, six normal subjects and three patients with recurrent dislocation of patella were screened and compared. The study showed that the femoral groove can be clearly identified and the sulcus angle can be measured within 6° of variation. There was a statistically significant difference in the sulcus angles between normal subjects and the patients. This study has shown that ultrasound can be used to image the patellofemoral joint.