Analysis of patellar tendon morphometric features using magnetic resonance imaging

Aims: This study aimed to (1) perform a comprehensive morphometric evaluation of the patellar tendon using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a Turkish population, and (2) investigate the influence of demographic factors on tendon size. Methods: This retrospective study initially evaluated 135 knee MRI scans performed between January 2023 and May 2025. After excluding 17 patients (12 with prior knee surgery, 3 with significant degenerative changes, 2 with incomplete imaging), 118 patients were included in the final analysis. Participants were categorized by gender (61 females, 57 males), age group (18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, ≥60 years), and body weight. Patellar tendon thickness and width were measured at the proximal, middle, and distal levels, and tendon length was recorded. All measurements were performed using a standardized protocol on a 1.5-Tesla MRI scanner. Results: All thickness parameters were significantly higher in males than in females (proximal: 4.74±0.87 mm vs. 3.91±0.65 mm, p<0.001). Tendon width was also significantly greater in males (proximal: 33.19±2.74 mm vs. 29.68±3.69 mm, p<0.001). Distal width measurements were available in 94 patients (48 women, 46 men) due to image quality limitations. Body weight showed a positive correlation with all tendon dimensions, with the strongest relationship observed for distal thickness (r=0.328, p<0.001). Gender differences were most pronounced in the 40-59 age group but decreased after age 60. Findings for the ≥60 years subgroup should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size (n=10) and are therefore considered exploratory. Conclusion: The dimensions of the patellar tendon show significant variations based on gender, age and body weight. These normative data may provide a valuable reference source for the diagnosis of patellar tendon pathologies and surgical graft planning.