Anatomy and surface geometry of the patellofemoral joint in the axial plane

We studied the anatomy of the patellofemoral joint in the axial plane on cr yosections from a cadaver knee and on MR arthrotomograms from 30 patients. The cryosections revealed differences in the geometry and anatomy of the su rface of the articular cartilage and corresponding subchondral osseous cont ours of the patellofemoral joint. On the NIR arthrotomograms the surface ge ometry of the cartilage matched the osseous contour of the patella in only four of the 30 knees, The articular cartilaginous surface of the intercondy lar sulcus and corresponding osseous contour of the femoral trochlea matche d in only seven knees, Since MR arthrotomography can distinguish between the surface geometry of t he articular cartilage and subchondral osseous anatomy of the patellofemora l joint, it allows the surgeon and the radiologist to appraise the true art iculating surfaces. We therefore recommend MR arthrotomography as the imagi ng technique of choice.