Longitudinal Changes in Patella Bone Shape in Subjects after ACL Reconstruction

Acute knee joint injury often leads to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA); however, the factors which may indicate PTOA progression are not well understood. Bone shape changes have been suggested as potential predictors for OA development. This study investigates longitudinal changes in patella bone shape in subjects who underwent ACL reconstruction. Subject’s patellae were segmented using machine learning methods and a statistical shape model was used to quantify patella bone shape. Data analysis showed longitudinal changes in patella shape between contralateral and ipsilateral sides, between subjects with allografts and autografts, and associations with age, sex, and BMI.