The Patellofemoral Foundation (PFF) is proud to highlight new research from board member Dr. Daniel Green, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, recently published in the Journal of ISAKOS.
In the study, “Caton-Deschamps index measured on radiographs differs from magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric patients with and without patellofemoral instability,” Dr. Green and colleagues examined how patellar height measurements compare between radiographs (XRs) and MRI in pediatric patients.
Analyzing 252 knees from patients with and without patellofemoral instability, the researchers found that while overall agreement between XR- and MRI-based measurements was good, classification of patella alta differed in about 1 in 5 cases. Discrepancies were more likely in younger patients and those with higher CDI values.
The takeaway: while the Caton-Deschamps Index remains a valuable tool, imaging modality matters, and clinicians should use caution when interpreting results, particularly in younger patients.
Dr. Green, a professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and focuses his practice on pediatric and adolescent knee conditions. His work reflects the kind of clinically relevant research that aligns with PFF’s mission to improve outcomes for patients with patellofemoral disorders.
Read the full study in the Journal of ISAKOS to learn more.