Vastus Medialis Obliquus Research Articles

Evaluation of the results of closed kinetic chain exercises applied in the conservative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome by means of shear wave elastography: A randomized controlled trial.

Non-selective closed kinetic chain exercises (NSKCE) and or selective closed kinetic chain exercises (SCKCE) has been shown to increase Vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle power in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). However, the superiority of the exercises to each other has not been shown. This study aimed to evaluating the effects of different exercises on the stiffness of the VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles, pain management, functional scores, and thigh circumferences. One hundred 60 knees of 80 patients followed up in our outpatient clinic between December 2016 and February 2018 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as 40 patients with single-sided PFPS (20 male and 20 female patients) and 40 healthy controls (20 male and 20 female patients). The patients in each group were divided into subgroups according to NSCKCE or SCKCE. VMO and VL muscles were measured by shear wave elastography (SWE) before and after a 6-weeks therapy. There was a significant decrease in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score while a significant increase was found in Lysholm Knee Scale (LKS), however, no statistically difference was found between the two exercise groups in PFPS patients. The effect of both exercises on pain and functional improvement was similar. Decrease in VAS scores, increase in LKS scores, increase in thigh circumference measurements, and increase in the stiffness of VMO and VL muscles were observed in both groups who received SCKCE and NSCKCE on PFPS patients. Study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT05427357). Randomized controlled trial.

Evaluation of the relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the patella chondral lesion occurrence.

The study aims to investigate the relationship between the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle distal insertion features and patellar chondral lesion presence. This cross-sectional study included a total of 100 patients (18 males, 82 females, mean age 67.2±7.1 years; range, 50 to 86 years) who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Radiological assessments, including merchant view and standing orthoroentgenograms, were conducted. The current osteoarthritis stage, varus angle, quadriceps angle (Q angle), patella-patellar tendon angle (P-PT angle), congruence angle, and sulcus angle were calculated. The VMO tendon length, muscle fiber angle, tendon insertion width measurements, and patellar chondral lesion localization data were obtained intraoperatively. Grouping was done according to the distal insertion width of the VMO tendon to the medial edge of the patella. The medial rim of the patella was divided into three equal-sized sectors. The first group (Group 1, n=31) consisted of patients who had an insertion from the quadriceps tendon into the upper one-third of the patella. The second group (Group 1, n=48) consisted of patients with a distal insertion expanding into the middle one-third of the patella. The third group (Group 3, n=21) consisted of patients who had a distal insertion extending into the distal third region of the medial patella margin. The patella joint surface was divided into sectors, and the presence and location of cartilage lesions were noted in detail. The mean tendon insertion width rate was 45.99±16.886% (range, 16.7 to 83.3%). The mean muscle fiber insertion angle was 51.85±11.67º (range, 20º to 80º). The mean tendon length was 12.45±3.289 (range, 4 to 20) mm. There was no significant difference between the mean age, weight, height, body mass index, BMI, fiber angle, tendon length, varus angle, Q angle, sulcus angle, and congruence angle data among the groups. In terms of the P-PT angle, Groups 1 and 2 had a significant relationship (p=0.008). No relationship was found between the mean fiber insertion angle, mean tendon length, or the presence of chondral lesions. There was a statistically significant difference among the groups regarding the presence of chondral lesions. The highest percentage of chondral lesion frequency was observed in Group 3 (95.24%), followed by Group 1 (90.3%) and Group 2 (89.6%), respectively. Compared to the other two groups, Group 3 had a higher average ratio of lesion areas per patient. Our study results demonstrate that the formation and localization of the patellar chondral lesions are affected by the insertion width type of the VMO muscle into the patella. Group 2-type insertion is associated with a lower lesion frequency rate than Groups 1 and 3.

A direct saphenous nerve block in TKA: A surgeon friendly technique! Cadaveric study

IntroductionEffective management of postoperative pain in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) poses a significant challenge for surgeons. Achieving rapid recovery without pain and promoting early ambulation in immediate and early postoperative periods are essential for patient satisfaction. There are many pain management protocols including nerve blocks. Nerve blocks procedures were done using USG and anaesthetist dependent. This cadaveric study aimed to define the VMO (Vastus medialis obliquus) triangle to target the ‘safe zone’ of the saphenous nerve during TKA: A surgeon's friendly technique. Methods12 formalin-fixed embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were dissected to explore anatomy, trajectory, the relation of saphenous nerve and measured the distances from the nearby palpable bony landmarks. ResultsThe average distance to target the saphenous nerve i.e target point from midpoint of superior pole of the patella was 10.6cm, the average angle to target the saphenous nerve is the angle between the line joining the medial epicondyle to the midpoint of the superior pole of the patella is found to be 64.2°. The average distance from midpoint of superior pole patella to medial epicondyle is found to be 8.1cm. Therefore, triangle so formed using these three points (1. Medial epicondyle, 2. The midpoint of superior pole of the patella, 3. Target point of the saphenous nerve) is called a VMO triangle. ConclusionsThe saphenous nerve course, relations, and the distances from intraoperative bony landmarks for the VMO triangle during TKA which is a reproducible triangle so may be useful for arthroplasty surgeons to achieve successful saphenous nerve block and to avoid related complications during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Different Modalities in Management of Recurrent Patellar Dislocation

Background Patellar instability is a complex pathoanatomical phenomenon that requires an intricate understanding in order to properly treat patients. Often, the etiology of this entity is multifactorial, and can be the result of a combination of coronal limb malalignment, patella alta, malrotation secondary to internal femoral or external tibial torsion, a dysplastic trochlea, or disrupted and weakened medial soft tissue, including the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and the vastus medialis obliquus. Objective To review the currently available different modalities for management of recurrent patellar dislocation. This Review will analyze results concerned with Patellar instability to reach the most efficient modality that gives the best results. Material and Methods This systematic review study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria conducted to evaluate the outcome of different techniques of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction analyzing their efficacy and possible complications. This systematic review demonstrates that MPFL surgery for recurrent patellar dislocation isolated or in combination with other procedures results in a significant improvement in Kujala scores, a low redislocation rate, and an acceptable complication rate. Despite this, there is no consensus on indications for MPFL reconstruction, graft type, surgical technique, and rehabilitation program. The inclusion criteria for future studies were highly important, and consensus agreement within an expert panel should be sought prior to undertaking such a study. Data Sources Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the Internet till 2021. Data Extraction If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Study quality assessment included whether ethical approval was gained, eligibility criteria specified, appropriate controls, and adequate information and defined assessment measures. Results Several fixation methods have been introduced in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. However, the optimal management of patients with recurrent patellar dislocation remains controversial. This short-term study showed that after MPFL reconstruction (suture anchors or transosseous sutures), patellar stability could be restored. And no significant differences in outcome scores were observed between patients in the transosseous suture and suture anchor groups. Conclusion Evaluate the outcome of different techniques of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction analyzing their efficacy and possible complications.

Cadaveric Study to Define the Anatomy of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) and Its Variant Patterns.

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is one of the major soft tissue stabilizers on the medial side of the knee joint, extending from the medial condyle of the femur to the medial aspect of the patella. Different kinds of literature described different sizes and different origins and insertions of MPFL. Injury of MPFL causes patellar instability and dislocation.We reported the anatomy and morphology of MPFL and its implications in the repair of MPFL. The aim of the study was also to look at the variant forms of the MPFL. Methodology: A total of 40 lower limbs fixed in formalin were dissected to study the MPFL of the knee. After reflecting the deep fascia and retinaculum on the medial side of the knee joint the MPFL was exposed. For better learning the lower medial part of vastus medialis was reflected, so that the part of MPFL undercover was exposed. Different forms of MPFL were seen like two straps 12.5%, broad rectangle 20%, and triangular shaped 67.5% MPFL.The origin of MPFL was found between the adductor tubercle and medial epicondyle of the femur and insertion was seen extending from the proximal medial half of the patella to the tendinous aponeurosis of vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus intermedius muscle (VIM). This is the first study that described three variant patterns of MPFL in accordance with their morphological appearance. This knowledge will be helpful to the surgeons for easy identification and repair of the MPFL.

Sports activity level after ACL reconstruction is predicted by vastus medialis or vastus medialis obliquus thickness, single leg triple hop distance or 6-m timed hop, and quality of life score.

Recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may take > 2years, and younger athletes have higher re-injury risk. The purpose of this prospective longitudinal study was to determine how the early to mid-term Tegner Activity Level Scale (TALS) scores of athletically active males ≥ 2years post-ACLR follow-up was predicted by bilateral isokinetic knee extensor and flexor torque, quadriceps femoris thickness, single leg hop test performance, and self-reported knee function (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS); International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC) Subjective Assessment score). After ACLR with a hamstring tendon autograft and safely returning to sports at least twice weekly, 23 men (18.4 ± 3.5years of age) were evaluated at final follow-up (mean = 4.5, range = 2-7years). Exploratory forward stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the relationship between independent surgical and non-surgical lower limb variables peak concentric isokinetic knee extensor-flexor torque at 60°/sec and 180°/sec, quadriceps femoris muscle thickness, single leg hop test profile results, KOOS subscale scores, IKDCSubjective Assessment scores, and time post-ACLR on TALS scores at final follow-up. Subject TALS scores were predicted by KOOS quality of lifesubscale score, surgical limb vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) thickness, and surgical limb single leg triple hop for distance (SLTHD) performance. Subject TALS scores were also predicted by KOOS quality of lifesubscale score, non-surgical limb vastus medialis (VM) thickness, and non-surgical limb 6m single leg timed hop (6MSLTH) performance. TALS scores were influenced differently by surgical and non-surgical lower extremity factors. At ≥ 2years post-ACLR, ultrasound VM and VMO thickness measurements, single leg hop tests that challenge knee extensor function, and self-reported quality of life measurements predicted sports activity levels. The SLTHD test may be better than the 6MSLTH for predicting long-term surgical limb function.

Arthrotomy Dehiscence After Total Knee Arthroplasty With a Barbed Suture.

Meticulous arthrotomy closure during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is essential to preserve quadriceps strength and maintain proper patellar tracking. We recently encountered a subset of patients referred with anterior knee pain, a palpable retinaculum defect, and quadriceps weakness. Each patient was found to have an arthrotomy dehiscence. This study highlights arthrotomy dehiscence as a failure mechanism after TKA. A retrospective case series of patients who underwent primary TKA followed by subsequent capsular dehiscence was reviewed. We investigated whether the dehiscence was related to trauma, the presence of a palpable arthrotomy defect, patellar tracking, quadriceps strength, and the type of closure technique. All patients had an atraumatic disruption and presented with anterior knee pain and quadriceps weakness. Fourteen of 18 patients (78%) had a palpable defect along the medial retinaculum. Nine of 18 patients (50%) had patellar subluxation or tilting. Barbed sutures were used in 13 of 18 (72%) patients. A simple arthrotomy repair (44%) or a vastus medialis obliquus advancement (56%) was used successfully in all patients. Atraumatic arthrotomy dehiscence as a cause of TKA failure historically has been a rare event. Recently, we have noticed a disturbing number of patients presenting with this failure mechanism. With this study, we call attention to this unique atraumatic failure mechanism in patients presenting with anterior knee pain after TKA. Surgeons should be aware of this risk when using barbed sutures alone and should consider routinely reinforcing the arthrotomy with interrupted sutures. Level IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Motor unit synchronization and firing rate correlate with the fractal dimension of the surface EMG: A validation study

The fractal dimension (FD) of the surface electromyographic (EMG) signal has been reported to be influenced by changes in the firing rate and synchronization of motor units. The purpose of this study was to validate these relations during experimental signals.Thirteen healthy subjects (12 men and 1 woman) performed an isometric knee extension at 5 % of their maximal voluntary contraction for 300 s. Intramuscular and surface EMG signal were recorded concurrently from the vastus medialis obliquus. Synchronization and firing rate were calculated from the decomposed intramuscular EMG signal, while FD was estimated using the box-counting method. The first and last 50 s of contractions were considered during the correlation analyses.FD was negatively related to the level of motor unit synchronization (rs = −0.30; p < 0.05) and positively correlated with firing rate (rs = 0.25; p < 0.01) when all data were pooled. FD was correlated with firing rate only during the initial 50 s of contraction (rs = 0.52; p < 0.001).FD of the sEMG signal is a parameter mostly related to the firing rate when fatigue does not develop and may be considered as an index of performance fatigability during sustained or at the end of prolonged contractions at very low forces. Indeed, FD cannot be considered as an exclusive index of motor unit synchronization during fatiguing contractions, but rather as largely related to central factors.

Effect of flexion-resist and extension-assist knee orthosis on electromyographic activities of quadriceps during lateral stepping.

Knee orthoses can potentially reduce muscular activities of the quadriceps. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a custom flexion-resist and extension-assist knee orthosis on electromyographic activities of quadriceps during lateral stepping (step-up and step-down). Flexion resistance and extension assistance mechanisms were set by a pair of linear springs built into the orthotic knee joints. Electromyography (EMG) signals were collected from rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and vastus lateralis (VL) during lateral step-up and lateral step-down activities in 7 healthy young adults. Peak normalized root mean square (RMS) EMG signals of each muscle, as well as VMO:VL ratio, were compared between orthotic and nonorthotic conditions using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The knee orthosis significantly reduced the normalized RMS EMG signals of the RF and VL during lateral stepping ( p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the VMO. The VMO:VL ratio significantly ( p < 0.05) increased under orthotic condition. The experiments demonstrated that the knee orthosis reduces the peak normalized RMS EMG signals of RF and VL, and alter the VMO:VL ratio of quadriceps in healthy young adults. Therefore, this study suggests that the flexion-resist and extension-assist knee orthosis may be effective in reducing muscular activities of RF and VL, which may alleviate patellofemoral loading. Future studies should delve into the effects of the knee orthosis in individuals with patellofemoral pain.

Medial patellofemoral ligament is a part of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus intermedius aponeuroses attaching to the medial epicondyle

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the bony surface characteristic of the femoral attachment of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and the correlation between the relevant layered structures, including muscular aponeurosis and the joint capsule, which contribute to patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stability.MethodsThe morphology of the medial aspect of the medial condyle using micro-computed tomography and analysed cortical bone thickening in 24 knees was observed. For the macroscopic and histological analyses, 21 and 3 knees were allocated, respectively. The Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance test with Dunn post hoc testing was performed for statistical analysis.ResultsAt the level of the adductor tubercle, there were no significant differences in cortical bone thickness. At the level of the medial epicondyle (MEC), cortical bone thickness was considerably greater than that in other areas of the medial condyle (mean ± standard deviation, 0.60 ± 0.20 mm; p < 0.0001). Macroscopic analysis revealed that the deep aponeurosis of the vastus medialis obliquus and the tendinous arch of the vastus intermedius distally formed the composite membrane and adjoined to the joint capsule to firmly attach to MEC, which was located at 41.3 ± 5.7 mm posterior and 14.2 ± 3.1 mm superior to the joint cartilage. Histological analysis showed a composite membrane and adjoining capsule attached to MEC via fibrocartilage.ConclusionMPFL could be interpreted as part of the deep aponeurosis of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and the tendinous arch of the vastus intermedius, which combined with the joint capsule to attach to MEC. The cortical bone thickening indicated that the tensile stresses were loaded on MEC in aged cadavers. Involvement of VMO and vastus intermedius aponeuroses in restored graft of MPFL could utilise the dynamic stability of surrounding muscles to mimic a native structure.

Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition Following Knee Injury or Surgery: Pathophysiology, Classification, and Treatment

Background: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), a process in which quadriceps activation failure is caused by neural inhibition, is common following knee injury or surgery. No classifications exist to describe the variable presentations of AMI following knee injury. Indications: AMI can result in significant morbidity following knee injury, and it is essential to recognize and treat. It is crucial to identify patients at higher risk of postoperative complications as surgery should be delayed for specific rehabilitation programs. Understanding the pathophysiology of AMI is vital as this can guide therapeutic interventions. Technique Description: AMI following knee injury can present in a variety of ways including inhibition of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle, extension deficits due to hamstring contracture, as well as chronic extension deficits. They also respond differently to conventional treatment modalities and often require longer and specific rehabilitation programs. Therefore, we propose a classification to define these different presentations. Results: Grade 0 is a normal VMO contraction. Grade 1a is when VMO contraction is inhibited but activation failure is reversible with simple exercises while Grade 1b requires longer and specific rehabilitation programs. Grade 2a is when VMO contraction is inhibited with an associated extension deficit due to hamstring contracture, but activation failure and loss of range of motion is reversible with simple exercises. However, Grade 2b is refractory to simple exercises, and longer and specific rehabilitation programs are required. Grade 3 is a chronic extension deficit that is irreducible without extensive posterior arthrolysis. Conclusion: In conclusion, AMI is a process in which quadriceps activation failure is caused by neural inhibition and is common following knee injury or surgery. Not taking AMI into account preoperatively can result in a very high risk of stiffness postoperatively. We propose a classification for AMI following knee injury or surgery, which describes different presentations and can be used to guide management.

Effects of Hip Joint Angle on Quadriceps Recruitment Pattern During Knee Extension in Healthy Individuals: Analysis by Ultrasound-Based Shear-Wave Elastography.

Purposes: To detect the effects of hip joint position on the quadriceps recruitment pattern of different resistance levels of rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) in healthy people during knee extension. Methods: Twenty healthy females performed isometric knee extension contractions at 0, 10, 20, and 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with a 90° and 0° hip angle. Ultrasound shear-wave elastography was used to evaluate the shear elastic modulus of RF, VI, VL, and VMO during resting and contraction states. Results: At resting state, stiffness of RF was about 50% higher at 0° compared with at 90° of the hip (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in comparisons between 0 and 10% MVIC, 10 and 20% MVIC, and 20 and 30% MVIC in the four muscles, except that there was no significant difference between 20 and 30% MVIC for RF. There was a significant positive correlation between muscle stiffness and resistance level (r = 0.78–0.94, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hip joint position had effects on the quadriceps recruitment pattern of different resistance levels in healthy people during knee extension.

Quadriceps Tendon Attachment Technique for Medial Quadriceps Tendon-Femoral Ligament (MQTFL) Reconstruction in the Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Patella Dislocation

Medial quadriceps tendon–femoral ligament (MQTFL) reconstruction for prevention of recurrent patella dislocation is an alternative to medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Because the reconstruction graft attaches to the quadriceps tendon, no patella drill hole is required, thereby eliminating iatrogenic fracture risk. The procedure remains anatomically accurate and early results are comparable to MPFL reconstruction for preventing patella dislocation. The MQTFL reconstruction graft is brought up under the vastus medialis obliquus distal to the patella apex, such that its orientation is directed toward the medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) midpoint, also known as Tanaka’s point. The graft is then secured by looping it around the vastus medialis and rectus femoris tendons, after which optimal graft length is easily established by cycling the knee, after which it is sutured securely into the deep quadriceps tendon precisely at the anatomic midpoint of the MPFC. Anatomic reconstruction of the MQTFL—in which graft orientation is crucial—confers reliable patellofemoral joint stability in the surgical treatment of patients with recurrent patella dislocations.

Electromyography Activity of Vastus Medialis Obliquus and Vastus Lateralis Muscles During Lower Limb Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Patterns in Individuals with and without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Exercise therapy to strengthen quadriceps muscle is recommended in rehabilitation program for people with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This study aimed to investigate the electromyography (EMG) activity of vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL) and VMO/VL ratio during PNF in individuals with and without PFPS. 26 persons with PFPS and 26 healthy subjects participated to study. All subjects performed PNF patterns (Flexion-Adduction-External Rotation (D1FL), Extension-Adduction-External Rotation (D2EX), D1FL+ load, D2EX+ load) and straight leg raise (SLR). The normalized EMG activity of VMO, VL and VMO/VL ratio were measured and analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. There were significant main effects of group and exercises for the both VMO and VL (p<0.05). It was found that except SLR and D2EX, in the other motions PFPS group had lower VMO activity compared to healthy group (p<0.05). For VL except SLR, in the other motions PFPS group had lower VL activity too (p<0.05). The PNF patterns activated VMO more than SLR, however it was not significant (p>0.05). Also; there weren't any significant difference between the two groups in VMO/VL activation ratios. Also, performing the PNF patterns with load increased VMO and VL muscles activity significantly (p<0.05). It also found that in PFPS group the VMO/VL ratio values in PNF patterns were significantly more than SLR and the highest VMO/VL ratio value (0.96) was found during D2EX. The PNF patterns due to provide optimal VMO/VL ratio value than SLR and proper balance between these two muscles can be recommended in rehabilitation of individuals with PFPS.

Electromyographic activity of quadriceps muscles during eccentric squat exercises: implications for exercise selection in patellar tendinopathy

ABSTRACT This study investigated the quadriceps muscle activity during eccentric squat exercises (ESE) with different decline angles and arcs of motion regarding the proper exercise selection for patellar tendinopathy management. Electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscles was measured during ESE on 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° decline in 20 recreationally active participants. The eccentric phase was divided into 0–30°, 30–60°, 60–90°, 0–60°, 30–90°, and 0–90° of knee flexion simultaneously via motion-analysis system. The analyses showed that there was a significant decline angle × arc interaction effect on electromyographic activity of all muscles during knee flexion movement. The main effect was found for the arc of motion of knee flexion, and the main effect for the decline angle also was present for each muscle, except for VMO. This study demonstrated that most selective quadriceps eccentric activation occurred during ESE performed on 20° decline throughout 60–90° of knee flexion.

Illustration of the connection between the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the superficial medial collateral ligament of the knee: A human knee cadaveric study

Illustration of the connection between the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the superficial medial collateral ligament of the knee: A human knee cadaveric study

Illustration of the connection between the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the superficial medial collateral ligament of the knee: A human knee cadaveric study

Illustration of the connection between the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the superficial medial collateral ligament of the knee: A human knee cadaveric study

Illustration of the connection between the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the superficial medial collateral ligament of the knee: A human knee cadaveric study

Background: While the anatomy of the medial part of the knee has been extensively described, the muscular connections to the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomy of the musculo-ligamentous connection between the sMCL and the Vastus Medialis Obliquus muscle (VMO), and to describe its anatomy. Methods: Six Human Cadaveric knees were used in this study. Donors were 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 49 years old. Dissection was performed in fixed knee extension and directed to show the area of the proximal attachment of the sMCL. Results: A musculo ligamentous connection between the distal portion of the Vastus medialis Obliquus muscle and the sMCL has been identified in our entire specimens. The mean mid substance width of this connection was 9.75 (8.7 -10.8) mm, the mean length was 29.3 (22.2-36.4) mm and the mean thickness was 1.3 (0.9-1.7) mm. Conclusion: The proximal femoral attachment of the sMCL is directly connected to the distal end of VMO. This connection may show that the sMCL can possibly assist in the dynamic stabilization of the knee during extension against valgus stress, through its tension by the contracted VMO muscle.

Physical Examination and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: an Updated Review.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) accounts for 25 to 40% of all knee disorders. Diagnosis of PFPS is primarily based on history and physical examination, but the findings on physical examination are often subtle and do not consistently correlate with symptoms described. Yoon and Fredericson published a review article in 2006 detailing the physical examination maneuvers most frequently used to assist clinicians in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of PFPS, and our aim in this review is to provide an update on this previous article focusing on the literature published over the past 15 years regarding the topic. Since publication of Fredericson's original review article, there have been studies building on the literature specifically surrounding Q angle, patellar tilt, crepitus, strength and functional testing, and physical examination maneuver clustering. Additionally, multiple studies have been conducted on the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) as a diagnostic tool for PFPS. Recent literature has further supported Q angle (when measured utilizing a standardized protocol), crepitus, weakness of hip abductors and extensors, and weakness detected in functional testing as predictors of PFPS while finding inconsistent evidence behind lateral patellar tilt as a predictor of PFPS. The reliability of most physical examination tests alone remain low, but clustering physical examination findings may provide better sensitivities and specificities in diagnosing PFPS. Musculoskeletal US is rapidly gaining popularity, and decreased vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) volume, asymmetry in gluteus medius thickness, intra-articular effusions, and quadriceps and patellar tendon thicknesses have shown value in diagnosing those with PFPS. Additionally, US has the advantage of providing dynamic examination as well as evaluation of the patellofemoral joint in newborns and infants as a predictor of future patellofemoral instability. Further studies are needed to establish the gold standard for diagnosing PFPS and what US findings are truly predictive of PFPS.

Electromyographic comparison of vastus medialis obliquus facilitatory versus vastus lateralis inhibitory kinesio taping in athletes with patellofemoral pain: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is among the most common orthopedic complications afflicting active young people. Diminished coordination of the vastii, delayed activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and decreased VMO-to-vastus lateralis (VL) activity ratio are well documented as underlying causes of PFP. This study compares the effects of VMO facilitatory kinesio tape (KT) versus VL inhibitory KT on electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastii, balance, and pain in athletes with PFP. MethodsIn this single-blind randomized clinical trial, thirty-two female athletes with PFP (mean age 26.33 ± 5.93 years) were randomly assigned to VMO facilitatory KT (n = 16) or VL inhibitory KT (n = 16) groups. In the facilitatory group, a Y-shaped strip of KT at 25% of its available tension was attached from the origin of the VMO to its insertion and in the inhibitory group, an insertion-to-origin Y-shaped strip of KT at 15% of its available tension was applied on the VL. Pain intensity, dynamic balance, and EMG data were assessed respectively with a visual analogue scale, the modified Star Excursion Balance Test, and an EMG telemetry system, before and immediately after KT application. ResultsPain intensity decreased and dynamic balance improved significantly after taping in both groups, and VMO: VL activity ratio increased significantly in the VL group. However, none of the parameters differed significantly between groups. ConclusionsBoth VMO facilitatory and VL inhibitory KT can improve pain and balance, while the inhibitory technique might be more effective in regulating the VMO to VL activity ratio in athletes with PFP.