The sulcus angle is a measurement of the steepness of the walls of the groove in which the kneecap rides (the trochlear groove).
Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
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.
-
Relevant material -
2008 - reviewed 2023 - Patellofemoral pain - by Dr Ronald Grelsamer (Knee Surgeon)