Patellar tendon-to-patella ratio in children.

Patellofemoral problems are common in skeletally immature patients. In the evaluation of this condition, it is important to determine the position of the patella on lateral radiographs. There are no normal values to determine this ratio (patellar tendon-to-patella ratio). In this study, 225 anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of skeletally immature knees were examined and bone ages determined. The patellar tendon-to-patella ratio was then calculated for each age group until skeletal maturity. These ratios allow a more accurate assessment of patella alta in the pediatric population, assisting in diagnosis and surgical planning.