Evaluation of patellar height indices in individuals with Osgood–Schlatter disease: a magnetic resonance imaging based study

Year 2026, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 265 - 269, 10.03.2026

Betül Akdal Dölek , Halil Tekdemir , Semra Duran

https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1855387

https://izlik.org/JA65NZ95MM

Abstract

Aims: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), derived patellar height indices, the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI), BlackburnePeel Ratio (BPR), and Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI) between adults with Osgood Schlatter disease (OSD) and matched controls, and to determine whether plateau-based indices (BPR, CDI) provide more anatomically reliable assessment of patellar height on MRI than the tuberosity-based ISI in the presence of tibial tuberosity distortion.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 350 adults were evaluated, including 175 patients with radiologically confirmed OSD and 175 age- and sex-matched controls. Knee MRI examinations were reviewed using standardized sagittal T1-weighted sequences. Patellar height was assessed using ISI, BPR, and CDI measured independently by two blinded radiologists.
Results: Median ISI, BPR, and CDI values were significantly higher in the OSD group (ISI: 1.13 vs. 1.00; BPR: 1.17 vs. 1.00; CDI: 1.23 vs. 1.00; all p<0.001), indicating a consistent pattern of patella alta in individuals with OSD. ISI demonstrated elevated values consistent with patella alta, whereas the plateau-based indices (BPR and CDI) likewise showed significantly greater patellar height in the OSD group. Age and sex distribution did not differ between groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Adults with OSD exhibit significantly increased patellar height across all MRI-derived indices. In the presence of tibial tuberosity distortion, plateau-based indices (BPR and CDI), which reference stable anatomical landmarks and are validated in normal populations, represent a more anatomically robust option for MRI-based patellar height assessment than the ISI.

Keywords

: Osgood-Schlatter disease , Insall-Salvati Index , blackburne-peel ratio , caton-deschamps index , MRI , patella alta

Ethical Statement

This retrospective study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of [Ankara Bilkent City Hospital] (Approval No: [TABED 2-25-1738]).

Supporting Institution

None

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