Motion Analysis of the Patella in Asymptomatic Patellofemoral Joints by Transparent 3D Imaging

Transparent 3D images was used to analyze the motion of the patella in knee extension movements at the patellofemoral joint in asymptomatic persons aged 40 and over who are at increased risk of osteoarthritis of the knee.By adding transparency to 3D images constructed by extracting the femoral condyle cartilage and patella from 3D data using MRI scans at knee flexion angles of 120°, 90° and 60°, the patella movement analysis images allow the position of the patella to be accurately ascertained through the joint cartilage. This made it possible to analyze the rotation and inclination of the patella when the patella is moved by the femoral trochlear during knee extension movements.There was a correlation between patella rotation and patella inclination when the knee is extended. 3D motion analysis of the patella at the patellofemoral joint was performed by complex computer analysis according to conventional methods. Transparent 3D imaging facilitates the use of bony landmarks to analyze the motion of the patella. This method is thought to be useful in preventive medicine by enabling early prognostic prediction by performing motion analysis of the patella with respect to deformation of the patellofemoral joint.