Characterization of Normal Quadriceps and Patellar Tendons Using MRI

Abstract

The quadriceps muscle is composed of four individual muscle groups ,they insert commonly on the patella as the quadriceps tendon .The patellar tendon is attached above to the lower border of the patella and below to the tuberosity of the tibia .It is in fact a continuation of the central portion of the quadriceps tendon .The aim of this study is characterization of normal quadriceps and patellar tendons using MRI. Seventy subjects were included in this study ranged of ages between (82-18)years old and different genders . Diabetic patients, hypertensive , who have quadriceps trauma, disabled patients and patients with fractures were excluded . Sagittal T1WI images of 70 knees were reviewed to measure the thickness of the quadriceps and patellar tendons at four points Q1,Q2, Q3, Q4 and P1,P2,P3,P4 also the patellar tendon length was measured . The results of this study found the normal quadriceps tendon has the following characteristics and relationships : The quadriceps tendon thickness mean at the points measured were 8.97 mm , 7.89 mm ,7.81 mm 7.75 mm for Q1,Q2,Q3,Q4 in respectively .Furthermore the patellar tendon thickness mean at the points measured were 5.52 mm , 4.39 mm 4.23 mm 4.67 mm for P1,P2,P3,P4 and respectively the tendon length mean was about (56.38) mm . The relation between the quadriceps and patellar tendon was significance with age are Q1,Q2,Q3 and P1,P2,P3,P4 . Anew equations were established for Sudanese subjects with known age for quadriceps and patellar tendon thickness .