The Effect of Patellar Height on Load Distribution in the Knee: Is It a Risk Factor for Meniscal Tears?

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of patella alta in patients with arthroscopically confirmed meniscal tears and to evaluate the relationship between patellar height and the side, anatomical location, and type of meniscal tears. Materials and Methods: A total of 152 patients (84 males, 68 females; mean age 36.2 years) who underwent knee arthroscopy were included in this study. Preoperative lateral knee radiographs were evaluated to calculate the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI) and Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI). An ISI > 1.2 was defined as Patella Alta. Meniscal tear side (medial, lateral, bilateral), anatomical zone (anterior horn, body, posterior horn), and tear pattern were documented from arthroscopy reports and correlated with radiological measurements.