Sulcus angle

The sulcus angle is derived from the Merchant view X-ray, or from MRI or CT scans.

The sulcus angle in trochlear dysplasia

The sulcus angle measurement would be made in patients being investigated for the cause of instability of the patella.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....a sulcus angle measuring more than 145° in a Merchant view knee radiograph with the knee in 45° knee flexion and the beam at 30° inclination caudal down the patellar femoral joint is characteristic of trochlear dysplasia"

  Citation: Kazley JM, Banerjee S. Classifications in Brief: The Dejour Classification of Trochlear Dysplasia. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2019 Oct;477(10):2380-2386. doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000000886. PMID: 31393338; PMCID: PMC6999944.

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