Aims. Classifying trochlear dysplasia (TD) is useful to determine the treatment options for patients suffering from patellofemoral instability (PFI). There is no consensus on which classification system is more reliable and reproducible for the purpose of guiding clinicians’ management of PFI. There are also concerns about the validity of the Dejour Classification (DJC), which is the most widely used classification for TD, having only a fair reliability score. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) is a recently proposed system of classification of TD, and the authors report a fair-to-good interobserver agreement and good-to-excellent intraobserver agreement in the assessment of TD. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability and reproducibility of these two classifications. Methods. In all, six assessors (four consultants and two registrars) independently evaluated 100 axial MRIs of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) for TD and classified them according to OBC and DJC. These assessments were again repeated by all raters after four weeks. The inter- and intraobserver reliability scores were calculated using Cohen’s kappa and Cronbach’s α. Results. Both classifications showed good to excellent interobserver reliability with high α scores. The OBC classification showed a substantial intraobserver agreement (mean kappa 0.628; p < 0.005) whereas the DJC showed a moderate agreement (mean kappa 0.572; p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the kappa values when comparing the assessments by consultants with those by registrars, in either classification system. Conclusion. This large study from a non-founding institute shows both classification systems to be reliable for classifying TD based on axial MRIs of the PFJ, with the simple-to-use OBC having a higher intraobserver reliability score than that of the DJC. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(7):532–538

Aims. We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of OpenPose, a posture estimation algorithm, for measurement of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), in comparison to radiography and goniometry. Methods. In this prospective observational study, we analyzed 35 primary TKAs (24 patients) for knee osteoarthritis. We measured the knee angles in flexion and extension using OpenPose, radiography, and goniometry. We assessed the test-retest reliability of each method using intraclass correlation coefficient (1,1). We evaluated the ability to estimate other measurement values from the OpenPose value using linear regression analysis. We used intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) and Bland–Altman analyses to evaluate the agreement and error between radiography and the other measurements. Results. OpenPose had excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (1,1) = 1.000). The R. 2. of all regression models indicated large correlations (0.747 to 0.927). In the flexion position, the intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) of OpenPose indicated excellent agreement (0.953) with radiography. In the extension position, the intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) indicated good agreement of OpenPose and radiography (0.815) and moderate agreement of goniometry with radiography (0.593). OpenPose had no systematic error in the flexion position, and a 2.3° fixed error in the extension position, compared to radiography. Conclusion. OpenPose is a reliable and valid tool for measuring flexion and extension positions after TKA. It has better accuracy than goniometry, especially in the extension position. Accurate measurement values can be obtained with low error, high reproducibility, and no contact, independent of the examiner’s skills. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(5):313–320

Aims. The Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC) was recently described as an MRI-based classification tool for the femoral trochlear. The authors demonstrated better inter- and intraobserver agreement compared to the Dejour classification. As the OBC could potentially provide a very useful MRI-based grading system for trochlear dysplasia, it was the aim to determine the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the classification system from the perspective of the non-founder. Methods. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently assessed 50 MRI scans for trochlear dysplasia and classified each according to the OBC. Both observers repeated the assessments after six weeks. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistic and S-statistic nominal and linear weights. Results. The OBC with grading into four different trochlear forms showed excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement with a mean kappa of 0.78. Conclusion. The OBC is a simple MRI-based classification system with high inter- and intraobserver reliability. It could present a useful tool for grading the severity of trochlear dysplasia in daily practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-7:355–358

Introduction. Clinical examination for stability in knee replacement involves the anterior drawer test. This test has been used to help in the diagnosis of flexion instability when used at 90 degrees and midflexion instability at 30 degrees. We sought to determine the inter-rater reliability of this test when compared to motion capture data. Methods. 10 subjects with previous knee repalcement were examined by four orthopedics knee repalcement surgeons in one setting. Each surgeon evaluated each subject in random order and was blinded from the results of the other surgeons. Each surgeon performed an anterior drawer test at 30 and 90 degrees and graded the instability as 0–5mm, 5–10mm or >10 mm. Anterior posterior translation was measured using motion capture. Results. At 30 degrees, the agreement between AP subjective rater score and measured AP laxity was poor for 3 of the 4 raters (Κ for observer A,B,C,D: 0.00, 0.0256, 0.5263, 0.3103). At 90 degrees, the agreement was also poor for 3 of the 4 raters (Κ for observer A,B,C,D: 0.0843, 0.6552, 0.2187, 0.0385). Inter-rater reliability was poor at 30 degrees for both the subjective rater score (Κ = 0.21, SE = 0.12, p = 0.0337) and the measured AP laxity (Κ=0.18, SE=0.1, p=0.0427). Inter-rater reliability was also poor at 90 degrees for both the subjective rater score (Κ = 0.04, SE = 0.10, p = 0.3568) and the measured AP laxity (Κ = 0.05, SE = 0.09, p = 0.2906). Conclusion. The anterior drawer test has poor inter rater reliability at both 30 and 90 degrees. It is unclear if this is from differences in technique of the examiners or form differences in pain or quadriceps function of the subjects. Instability should not be diagnosed strictly by this test and should involve a complete clinical picture of the patient

We aimed to determine the reliability, accuracy and the clinical role of digital templating in the pre-operative work-up for total knee replacement. Initially a sample of ten pre-operative digital radiographs were templated by four independent observers to determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the process. Digital templating was then performed on the radiographs of 40 consecutive patients undergoing total knee replacement by a consultant surgeon not involved with the operation, who was blinded to the size of the implant inserted. The Press Fit Condylar Sigma Knee system was used in all the patients. The size of the implant as judged by templating was then compared to that of the size used. Good inter- and intra-observer agreement was demonstrated for both femoral and tibial templating. However, the correct size of the implant was predicted in only 48% of the femoral and 55% of the tibial components. Albeit reproducible, digital templating does not currently predict the correct size of component often enough to be of clinical benefit

Objectives. There remains a lack of data on the reliability of methods to estimate tibial coverage achieved during total knee replacement. In order to address this gap, the intra- and interobserver reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) digital templating method was assessed with one symmetric and one asymmetric prosthesis design. Methods. A total of 120 template procedures were performed according to specific rotational and over-hang criteria by three observers at time zero and again two weeks later. Total and sub-region coverage were calculated and the reliability of the templating and measurement method was evaluated. Results. Excellent intra- and interobserver reliability was observed for total coverage, when minimal component overhang (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.87) or no component overhang (ICC = 0.92) was permitted, regardless of rotational restrictions. Conclusions. Measurement of tibial coverage can be reliable using the templating method described even if the rotational axis selected still has a minor influence

We studied 19 videotaped knee arthroscopies in 19 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in order to compare the intraobserver and interobserver reliability and the patterns of disagreement between four orthopaedic surgeons. The classifications of OA of Collins, Outerbridge and the French Society of Arthroscopy were used. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements using kappa measures were 0.42 to 0.66 and 0.43 to 0.49, respectively. Only 6% to 8% of paired intraobserver classifications differed by more than one category. Observer-specific disagreement was evident both within and between observers. A small, but significant, occasional variation was also seen. Although reliability may improve by an analysis of disagreement, it appears that the arthroscopic grading of early osteoarthritic lesions is inexact

Introduction

Infection after total joint arthroplasty is a challenging problem. Clinical symptoms, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and cultures of synovial fluid obtained by means of percutaneous aspiration are commonly used to rule out the possibility of persistent infection before reimplantation. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the tests are low. Some authors have suggested that frozen-section analysis should always be performed during the reimplantation in order to rule out persistent infection.

Aims. Obtaining solid implant fixation is crucial in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) to avoid aseptic loosening, a major reason for re-revision. This study aims to validate a novel grading system that quantifies implant fixation across three anatomical zones (epiphysis, metaphysis, diaphysis). Methods. Based on pre-, intra-, and postoperative assessments, the novel grading system allocates a quantitative score (0, 0.5, or 1 point) for the quality of fixation achieved in each anatomical zone. The criteria used by the algorithm to assign the score include the bone quality, the size of the bone defect, and the type of fixation used. A consecutive cohort of 245 patients undergoing rTKA from 2012 to 2018 were evaluated using the current novel scoring system and followed prospectively. In addition, 100 first-time revision cases were assessed radiologically from the original cohort and graded by three observers to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the novel radiological grading system. Results. At a mean follow-up of 90 months (64 to 130), only two out of 245 cases failed due to aseptic loosening. Intraoperative grading yielded mean scores of 1.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82 to 1.92) for the femur and 1.96 (95% CI 1.92 to 2.0) for the tibia. Only 3.7% of femoral and 1.7% of tibial reconstructions fell below the 1.5-point threshold, which included the two cases of aseptic loosening. Interobserver reliability for postoperative radiological grading was 0.97 for the femur and 0.85 for the tibia. Conclusion. A minimum score of 1.5 points for each skeletal segment appears to be a reasonable cut-off to define sufficient fixation in rTKA. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening at mid-term follow-up when this fixation threshold was achieved or exceeded. When assessing first-time revisions, this novel grading system has shown excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(5):468–474

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the meaningful values of the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) in patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty (KA). Methods. This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing primary KA for osteoarthritis in a university teaching hospital (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh) (1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019). Pre- and postoperative (one-year) data were prospectively collected for 3,181 patients (median age 69.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 64.2 to 76.1); females, n = 1,745 (54.9%); median BMI 30.1 kg/m. 2. (IQR 26.6 to 34.2)). The reliability of the EQ-5D-3L was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Responsiveness was determined by calculating the anchor-based minimal clinically important difference (MCID), the minimal important change (MIC) (cohort and individual), the patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) predictive of satisfaction, and the minimal detectable change at 90% confidence intervals (MDC-90). Results. The EQ-5D-3L demonstrated good internal consistency with an overall Cronbach alpha of 0.75 (preoperative) and 0.88 (postoperative), respectively. The MCID for the Index score was 0.085 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.042 to 0.127) and EQ-VAS was 6.41 (95% CI 3.497 to 9.323). The MIC. COHORT. was 0.289 for the EQ-5D and 5.27 for the EQ-VAS. However, the MIC. INDIVIDUAL. for both the EQ-5D-3L Index (0.105) and EQ-VAS (-1) demonstrated poor-to-acceptable reliability. The MDC-90 was 0.023 for the EQ-5D-3L Index and 1.0 for the EQ-VAS. The PASS for the postoperative EQ-5D-3L Index and EQ-VAS scores predictive of patient satisfaction were 0.708 and 77.0, respectively. Conclusion. The meaningful values of the EQ-5D-3L Index and EQ-VAS scores can be used to measure clinically relevant changes in health-related quality of life in patients undergoing primary KA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(9):619–628

Aims. Joint registries classify all further arthroplasty procedures to a knee with an existing partial arthroplasty as revision surgery, regardless of the actual procedure performed. Relatively minor procedures, including bearing exchanges, are classified in the same way as major operations requiring augments and stems. A new classification system is proposed to acknowledge and describe the detail of these procedures, which has implications for risk, recovery, and health economics. Methods. Classification categories were proposed by a surgical consensus group, then ranked by patients, according to perceived invasiveness and implications for recovery. In round one, 26 revision cases were classified by the consensus group. Results were tested for inter-rater reliability. In round two, four additional cases were added for clarity. Round three repeated the survey one month later, subject to inter- and intrarater reliability testing. In round four, five additional expert partial knee arthroplasty surgeons were asked to classify the 30 cases according to the proposed revision partial knee classification (RPKC) system. Results. Four classes were proposed: PR1, where no bone-implant interfaces are affected; PR2, where surgery does not include conversion to total knee arthroplasty, for example, a second partial arthroplasty to a native compartment; PR3, when a standard primary total knee prosthesis is used; and PR4 when revision components are necessary. Round one resulted in 92% inter-rater agreement (Kendall’s W 0.97; p < 0.005), rising to 93% in round two (Kendall’s W 0.98; p < 0.001). Round three demonstrated 97% agreement (Kendall’s W 0.98; p < 0.001), with high intra-rater reliability (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 0.99). Round four resulted in 80% agreement (Kendall’s W 0.92; p < 0.001). Conclusion. The RPKC system accounts for all procedures which may be appropriate following partial knee arthroplasty. It has been shown to be reliable, repeatable and pragmatic. The implications for patient care and health economics are discussed. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):638–645

Abstract. Introduction. Controversy exists regarding the optimal tibial coronal alignment in total knee arthroplasty. Many believe navigation or robotics are required to set kinematic alignments or to ensure they remain within ‘safe’ limits e.g. maximum 5° varus on the tibia. Given most navigation or robotic systems require the surgeon to identify the ankle malleoli, this study aimed to radiographically analyse standardly used intra-operative landmarks around the ankle, assessing their value in achieving kinematic alignment / setting safety boundaries. Materials and Methods. Long leg alignment radiographs were analysed independently by two orthopaedic surgeons at two time points, eight weeks apart. Angles were measured between the long axis of the tibia (TB) and: 1. lateral malleolus (TB-LM), 2. lateral border of the talus (TB-LT) and 3. medial aspect of the medial malleolus (TB-MM). Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed. Results. One hundred and sixty-seven radiographs in 119 patients were analysed; mean age 71.6 years. Mean angles (95% CI) were: TB-LM 4.8° (4.7°- 4.8°), TB-LT 2.6° (2.5° - 2.6°) and TB-MM 4.2° (4.1° - 4.2°). Interrater reliability was good for TB-LM (ICC = 0.72) and TB-MM (ICC=0.67), and fair for TB-LT (ICC= 0.50). Intra-rater reliability was excellent for all measures (ICC >0.85). Conclusion. There are consistent angles between tibial alignment and ankle landmarks. Using these landmarks, with standard instrumentation and alignment checks, allows surgeons to define safe limits, e.g. maximum 4.8° tibial varus if aligned to the tip of the lateral malleolus or set a 2.5° varus cut, without the need for added technology

Aims. The impact of a diaphyseal femoral deformity on knee alignment varies according to its severity and localization. The aims of this study were to determine a method of assessing the impact of diaphyseal femoral deformities on knee alignment for the varus knee, and to evaluate the reliability and the reproducibility of this method in a large cohort of osteoarthritic patients. Methods. All patients who underwent a knee arthroplasty from 2019 to 2021 were included. Exclusion criteria were genu valgus, flexion contracture (> 5°), previous femoral osteotomy or fracture, total hip arthroplasty, and femoral rotational disorder. A total of 205 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 62.2 years (SD 8.4). The mean BMI was 33.1 kg/m. 2. (SD 5.5). The radiological measurements were performed twice by two independent reviewers, and included hip knee ankle (HKA) angle, mechanical medial distal femoral angle (mMDFA), anatomical medial distal femoral angle (aMDFA), femoral neck shaft angle (NSA), femoral bowing angle (FBow), the distance between the knee centre and the top of the FBow (DK), and the angle representing the FBow impact on the knee (C’KS angle). Results. The FBow impact on the mMDFA can be measured by the C’KS angle. The C’KS angle took the localization (length DK) and the importance (FBow angle) of the FBow into consideration. The mean FBow angle was 4.4° (SD 2.4; 0 to 12.5). The mean C’KS angle was 1.8° (SD 1.1; 0 to 5.8). Overall, 84 knees (41%) had a severe FBow (> 5°). The radiological measurements showed very good to excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreements. The C’KS increased significantly when the length DK decreased and the FBow angle increased (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The impact of the diaphyseal femoral deformity on the mechanical femoral axis is measured by the C’KS angle, a reliable and reproducible measurement. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(4):262–272

Abstract. Introduction. There are several imaging-based measurements for patello-femoral height. Available methods rely predominantly on sagittal images. The latter can be misleading with sagittal oblique slices and when the patella is tilted and/or chronically subluxed. In this study we describe a simple method of patellar height measurement using axial MRI overlap. Materials and methods. A retrospective observational analysis of 97 knees from 251 patients was conducted. Cases were selected following the exclusion of scans with fractures, massive effusion, patello-femoral pathology. Axial patello-trochlear overlap (APTO) was measured on the axial MRI images as follows: (1) Patellar length (P): expressed as the number of axial images showing patellar articular surface (2) Trochlear overlap (T): the number of axial images showing overlap between patellar articular surface and articular surface of lateral trochlea. APTO is the ratio T/P. All measurements were carried out independently and on two separate occasions by 6 raters. As a control conventional patello-trochlear index were measured for all patients by a senior musculoskeletal radiologist. Results. The mean APTO value was 36.7 (range 14.2 to 66.6; SD 11.4). There was a positive correlation with patello-trochlear index (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.76, P < 0.001). Intra-observer reliability was good (ICC: 0.66 95 CI 0.54, 0.76, P < 0.001). Inter-observer reliability was fair (ICC: 0.51, 95 CI 0.41, 0.6, P < 0.001). Conclusion. In the present proof of concept study APTO was a reliable measurement of patellar height and correlated with patella-trochlear indices. The method described can prove valuable in overcoming issues with sagittal image measurements

Abstract. Background. Orthopaedic training in Southern Africa is largely focused on trauma, although elective procedures, such as knee arthroscopy are increasing. This is especially true in the private sector where most trainees will practice. The primary aim of this study was to assess the arthroscopic competency of orthopaedic trainees in a setting of limited resources. Methods. A prospective observational cohort study was carried out. Orthopaedic trainees of a Southern African university hospital performed basic arthroscopy on a knee model. Their surgical competency was assessed by two surgeons proficient in arthroscopy using the modified Basic Knee Arthroscopy Skill Scoring System (mBAKSSS). Results. A total of 16 trainees (12 male) were included (6 junior and 10 senior trainees). The median age of participants was 36 (34.8, 37). The median mBAKSSS was 28.0 (20.3, 32.5) but showed a large variability (12.0–42.5). The overall reliability was excellent with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.91 and interclass correlation of 0.91 [95% CI 0.75, 0.97]. Conclusions. The average knee arthroscopy proficiency of our trainees is comparable to those of international training programs, but there was great variability with inconsistent skills amongst the trainees. This calls for improved and reproducible arthroscopy training and skills transfer, exposure to procedures and ongoing assessment

Aims. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in patellar height and clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (5 to 10) after fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA). Methods. We retrospectively evaluated knee radiographs of 165 knees, which underwent fixed-bearing PS-TKA with patella resurfacing. The incidence of patella baja and changes in patellar height over a minimum of five years of follow-up were determined using Insall-Salvati ratio (ISR) measurement. We examined whether patella baja (ISR < 0.8) at final follow-up affected clinical outcomes, knee joint range of motion (ROM), and Knee Society Score (KSS). We also assessed inter- and intrarater reliability of ISR measurements and focused on the relationship between patellar height reduction beyond measurement error and clinical outcomes. Results. The ISR gradually decreased over five years after TKA, and finally 33 patients (20.0%) had patella baja. Patella baja at the final follow-up was not related to passive knee ROM or KSS. Interestingly, when we divided into two groups - patella baja and patella normal-alta (ISR ≥ 0.8) - the patella baja group already had a lower patellar height before surgery, compared with the patella normal-alta group. The ISR measurement error in this study was 0.17. Both passive knee flexion and KSS were significantly decreased in the group with a decrease in ISR of ≥ 0.17 at final follow-up. Conclusion. Patellar height gradually decreased over five years of follow-up after TKA. The reduction in patellar height beyond measurement error following TKA was associated with lower clinical outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1075–1081

Abstract. Introduction. Knee braces are limited to providing passive support. There is currently no brace available providing both continuous monitoring and active robot-assisted movements of the knee joint. This project aimed to develop a wearable intelligent motorised robotic knee brace to support and monitor rehabilitation for a range of knee conditions including post-surgical rehabilitation. This brace can be used at home providing ambulatory continuous passive movement obviating the need for hospital admissions. Methodology. A wearable sensing system monitoring knee range of motion was developed to provide remote feedback to clinicians and real-time guidance for patients. A prototype of an exoskeleton providing dynamic motion assistance was developed to help patients complete their exercise goals and strengthen their muscles. The accuracy and reliability of those functions were validated in human participants during exercises including knee flexion/extension (FE) in bed and in chair, sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit. Results. The knee FE measurement from the sensing system showed high accuracy (correlation coefficient of 0.99°) in human participants. The real-time FE data during exercises showed that the desired exoskeleton rotation fitted well with the participant's knee rotation. This indicated the exoskeleton could coordinate with the participant's knee motion by providing consistent motion assistance. The development of user interfaces to provide feedback is currently underway. Conclusion. A wearable robotic knee brace to monitor and support knee rehabilitation exercises was successfully developed. Further development of this device with the use of artificial intelligence has the potential to aid patient rehabilitation in a variety of knee conditions

Abstract. Rehabilitation exercise is critical for patients’ recovery after knee injury or post-surgery. Unfortunately, adherence to exercise is low due to a lack of positive feedback and poor self-motivation. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor their progress and provide supervision. Inertial measurement unit (IMUs) based sensing technology can provide remote patient monitoring functions. However, most current solutions only measure the range of knee motion in one degree of freedom. The current IMUs estimate the orientation-angle based on the integrated raw data, which might lack accuracy in measuring knee motion. This study aims to develop an IMU-based sensing system using the absolute measured orientation-angle to provide more accurate comprehensive monitoring by measuring the knee rotational angles. An IMU sensing system monitoring the knee joint angles, flexion/extension (FE), adduction/abduction (AA), and internal/external (IE) was developed. The accuracy and reliability of FE measurements were validated in human participants during squat exercise using measures including root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient. The RMSE of the three knee angles (FE, AA, and IE) were 0.82°, 0.26°, and 0.11°, which are acceptable for assessing knee motion. The FE measurement was validated in human participants and showed excellent accuracy (correlation coefficient of 0.99°). Further validation of AA and IE in human participants is underway. The sensing system showed the capability to estimate three knee rotation angles (FE, AA, and IE). It showed the potential to provide comprehensive continuous monitoring for knee rehabilitation exercises, which can also be used as a clinical assessment tool

Aims. Trochlear dysplasia is a significant risk factor for patellofemoral instability. The Dejour classification is currently considered the standard for classifying trochlear dysplasia, but numerous studies have reported poor reliability on both plain radiography and MRI. The severity of trochlear dysplasia is important to establish in order to guide surgical management. We have developed an MRI-specific classification system to assess the severity of trochlear dysplasia, the Oswestry-Bristol Classification (OBC). This is a four-part classification system comprising normal, mild, moderate, and severe to represent a normal, shallow, flat, and convex trochlear, respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the OBC and compare it with that of the Dejour classification. Methods. Four observers (two senior and two junior orthopaedic surgeons) independently assessed 32 CT and axial MRI scans for trochlear dysplasia and classified each according to the OBC and the Dejour classification systems. Assessments were repeated following a four-week interval. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was determined by using Fleiss’ generalization of Cohen’s kappa statistic and S-statistic nominal and linear weights. Results. The OBC showed fair-to-good interobserver agreement and good-to-excellent intraobserver agreement (mean kappa 0.68). The Dejour classification showed poor interobserver agreement and fair-to-good intraobserver agreement (mean kappa 0.52). Conclusion. The OBC can be used to assess the severity of trochlear dysplasia. It can be applied in clinical practice to simplify and standardize surgical decision-making in patients with recurrent patella instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):102–107

Abstract. The radiographic or bony landmark techniques are the two most common methods to determine Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) femoral tunnel placement. Their intra/inter-observer reliability is widely debated. The palpation technique relies on identifying the medial epicondyle (ME) and adductor Tubercle (AT). The central longitudinal artery and associated vessels (CLV) are consistently seen in the surgical dissection during MPFL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomic relationship of CLV to ME-AT and thereby use CLV as an important vascular landmark during MPFL reconstruction. A retrospective review of MRI scans in skeletally mature patients presenting to a tertiary referral knee clinic was undertaken. Group-N consisted of any presentation without patellofemoral instability or malalignment (PFI). Group-P with PFI. MRI's were reviewed and measured by two Consultant Radiologists for the CLV-ME-AT anatomy and relationship. Following exclusions 50 patients were identified in each group. The CLV passed anterior to the AT and ME in all patients. ME morphology did not differ greatly between the groups except in the tubercle height, where there was a statically but not clinically significant difference (larger in the non-PFI group, 2.95mm vs 2.52mm, p=0.002). The CLV to ME Tip distance was consistent between the groups (Group PFI group 3.8mm & ‘normal’ non-PFI Group 3.9mm). The CLV-ME-AT relationship remained consistent despite patients presenting pathology. The CLV consistently courses anterior to ME and AT. The CLV could be used as a vascular landmark assisting femoral tunnel placement during MPFL reconstruction