Vastus medialis cross-sectional area is positively associated with patella cartilage and bone volumes in a pain-free community-based population

Berry PAT, A. J.; Galevska-Dimitrovska, A.; Hanna, F. S.; Wluka, A. E.; Wang, Y.; Urquhart, D. M.; English, D. R.; Giles, G. G.; Cicuttini, F. M. (2008) Vastus medialis cross-sectional area is positively associated with patella cartilage and bone volumes in a pain-free community-based population. Arthritis Res Ther 10:R143

INTRODUCTION: Although vastus medialis and lateralis are important determinants of patellofemoral joint function, their relationship with patellofemoral joint structure is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine potential determinants of vastus medialis and lateralis cross-sectional areas and the relationship between the cross-sectional area and patella cartilage and bone volumes. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-seven healthy adult subjects had magnetic resonance imaging of their dominant knee. Vastus medialis and lateralis cross-sectional areas were measured 37.5 mm superior to the quadriceps tendon insertion at the proximal pole of the patella. Patella cartilage and bone volumes were measured from these images. Demographic data and participation in vigorous physical activity were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: The determinants of increased vastus medialis and lateralis cross-sectional areas were older age (P < 0.001),="" and="" greater="" body="" mass="" index="" (p="">< 0.001)="" but="" not="" with="" vastus="" lateralis="" cross-sectional="" area="" (beta="" 10.1;="" 95%="" ci="" -18.1,="" 38.3)="" (p="0.48)." the="" cross-sectional="" area="" of="" vastus="" medialis="" only="" was="" positively="" associated="" with="" patella="" cartilage="" volume="" (beta="" 0.6;="" 95%="" ci="" 0.23,="" 0.94)="" (p="0.001)" and="" bone="" volume="" (beta="" 3.0;="" 95%="" ci="" 1.40,="" 4.68)="" (p="">< 0.001)="" after="" adjustment="" for="" potential="" confounders.="" conclusions:="" our="" results="" in="" a="" pain-free="" community-based="" population="" suggest="" that="" increased="" cross-sectional="" area="" of="" vastus="" medialis,="" which="" is="" associated="" with="" vigorous="" physical="" activity,="" and="" increased="" patella="" cartilage="" and="" bone="" volumes="" may="" benefit="" patellofemoral="" joint="" health="" and="" reduce="" the="" long-term="" risk="" of="" patellofemoral="">