Patella alta

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain
x-ray

Patella is located in a high position with a patellar tendon length >20% more than the patellar length if using the Insall-Salvati ratio and an abnormally elevated Blackburne-Peel ratio, consistent with a patella alta.

Case Discussion

A possible case of patella alta. The limitation of using both measurements (Insall-Salvati ratio and Blackburne-peel ratio) in this case is that the knee is extended and not in ~30° flexion. However, with increasing flexion of the knee joint patellar tendon length should further increase 1.

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