Three-dimensional analysis for quantification of knee joint space width with weight-bearing CT: comparison with non-weight-bearing CT and weight-bearing radiography

Abstract

To compare computer-based 3D-analysis for quantification of the femorotibial joint space width (JSW) using weight-bearing cone beam CT (WB-CT), non-weight-bearing multi-detector CT (NWB-CT), and weight-bearing conventional radiographs (WB-XR). Twenty-six participants prospectively underwent NWB-CT, WB-CT, and WB-XR of the knee. For WB-CT and NWB-CT, the average and minimal JSW was quantified by 3D-analysis of the minimal distance of any point of the subchondral tibial bone surface and the femur. Associations with mechanical leg axes and osteoarthritis were evaluated. Minimal JSW of WB-CT was further compared to WB-XR. Two-tailed p-values of <0.05 were considered significant. Significant differences existed of the average medial and lateral JSW between WB-CT and NWB-CT (medial: 4.7 vs 5.1mm [P=0.028], lateral: 6.3 vs 6.8mm [P=0.008]). The minimal JSW on WB-XR (medial:3.1mm, lateral:5.8mm) were significantly wider compared to WB-CT and NWB-CT (both medial:1.8mm, lateral:2.9mm, all p<0.001), but not significantly different between WB-CT and NWB-CT (all p≥0.869). Significant differences between WB-CT and NWB-CT existed in participants with varus knee alignment for the average and the minimal medial JSW (p=0.004 and p=0.011) and for participants with valgus alignment for the average lateral JSW (p=0.013). On WB-CT, 25% of the femorotibial compartments showed bone-on-bone apposition, which was significantly higher when compared to NWB-CT (10%,P=0.008) and WB-XR (8%,P=0.012). Combining WB-CT with 3D-based assessment allows detailed quantification of the femorotibial joint space and the effect of knee alignment on JSW. WB-CT demonstrates significantly more bone-on-bone appositions, which are underestimated or even undetectable on NWB-CT and WB-XR.