Association between the subcutaneous fat thickness of the knee and chondromalacia patella: a magnetic resonance imaging-based study

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KIZILGÖZ V., Kantarci M., AYDIN S.

Journal of International Medical Research, vol.51, no.6, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/03000605231183581
  • Journal Name: Journal of International Medical Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: cartilage disease, chondromalacia patella, knee injury, magnetic resonance imaging, obesity, Subcutaneous fat
  • Erzincan Binali Yildirim University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFTT) is a representative marker of obesity. This study was performed to determine the relationship between SFTT and chondromalacia patella (CP) through routine 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 440 knee MRI scans were re-examined and divided into those with and without CP. A 1.5-Tesla MRI machine with a standard knee coil was used. Prepatellar SFTT (PSFTT) and medial SFTT (MSFTT) were measured on each MRI scan. PSFTT and MSFTT were compared between patients with and without CP. Results: Both the PSFTT and MSFTT values were significantly higher in patients with than without CP. Women had significantly higher PSFTT and MSFTT values than men. A statistically significant correlation was found between the PSFTT and MSFTT values and the CP grades. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate an association between SFTT and CP. A positive correlation was also found between SFTT and CP severity.