The unstable kneecap - the impact of anatomy on function
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The unstable kneecap - the impact of anatomy on function
IRAS ID
156555
Contact name
Arash Aframian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to begin to investigate the relationship between pathomorphology and kinematics in subjects with patellofemoral instability compared to normal controls and to determine if there is an improvement in both subjective instability and quantifiable parameters post-trochleoplasty. The core methodologies utilised will include three dimensional (3D) modelling and gait analysis using an instrumented treadmill, with particular attention to the gait pattern when walking down an incline, and intra-operative tracking.
Three dimensional modelling using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) together with gait analysis will facilitate the analysis of this multifactorial disorder. The aim is to determine how the interplay of anatomical shape of the patellofemoral joint, muscle shape and strength together with injury result in recurrent patellar instability. Previous work with software developers and engineers has been used successfully to design patient specific cutting blocks for knee replacement.
Additionally, we will use arthroscopic registration to capture tracking data for the patella, with fiducial markers, which has previously been difficult, but new technology has allowed these to be reduced in size and enable their use in this context.
The current project will build on this technology and aim to innovate the surgical approach to trochleoplasty by developing patient specific cutting blocks and burrs to focus treatment specific to the individual abnormality allowing a patient specific trochleoplasty to be performed.
The outcome of the project is to quantify the factors involved in patellar instability and target patient specific treatment to these anatomical factors. The data gathered will be used to develop intra-operative tracking technology.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0512
Date of REC Opinion
13 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion