Guideline decision tool · Radiology
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Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle) — free guideline decision tool

Patellar height (Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps), TT-TG, TT-PCL and sulcus angle for patella alta/baja, lateralized tubercle and trochlear dysplasia. Includes how to measure and what each value means. Instant, browser-side.

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Computed locally — no data uploaded. For licensed clinicians.
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Guideline-based

Implements the decision logic from published clinical guidelines.

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Runs in your browser

No installation. Enter the patient's values and get a guideline recommendation instantly.

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Data stays local

Nothing is uploaded. Results are for licensed clinicians only.

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Patellar tendon length (IS)52 mm
Patellar length (IS)42 mm
Articular edge → plateau (CD)34 mm
Articular surface length (CD)32 mm
TT-TG distance17 mm
TT-PCL distance21 mm
Sulcus angle140 °

→Insall-Salvati ratio1.24

  • Insall-Salvati ratio:1.24 → ≥ 1.2: patella alta (instability risk factor)
  • Caton-Deschamps index:1.06 → 0.6–1.2: normal
  • TT-TG distance:17 mm → 15–20 mm: borderline

Common questions

What is Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle)?

Patellar height (Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps), TT-TG, TT-PCL and sulcus angle for patella alta/baja, lateralized tubercle and trochlear dysplasia. Includes how to measure and what each value means. Instant, browser-side.

How is Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle) calculated? What is the core formula?

Insall-Salvati ratio < 0.8: patella baja Insall-Salvati ratio 0.8–1.2: normal Insall-Salvati ratio ≥ 1.2: patella alta (instability risk factor) Caton-Deschamps index < 0.6: patella baja Caton-Deschamps index 0.6–1.2: normal Caton-Deschamps index ≥ 1.2: patella alta TT-TG distance < 15 mm: normal TT-TG distance 15–20 mm: borderline TT-TG distance ≥ 20 mm: abnormal — threshold for tubercle medialization TT-PCL distance < 24 mm: normal TT-PCL distance ≥ 24 mm: lateralized tubercle (independent of trochlear shape) Sulcus angle ≤ 145°: normal Sulcus angle > 145°: trochlear dysplasia

When is Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle) used?

Knee & lower-limb alignment imaging: lateral knee, axial CT/MRI and standing long-leg films — patellar instability and osteotomy / arthroplasty planning.

What are the key clinical points for Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle)?

Lateral radiograph at 30° flexion or sagittal MRI. Each value is graded against published reference ranges. Measurement technique and positioning change the numbers — compare like with like on follow-up. Part of the YuanDoctor MSK measurement topic.

What are the limits and cautions when using Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle)?

For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.

Does Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?

Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.

How is Patellofemoral Measurements (Insall-Salvati / Caton-Deschamps / TT-TG / Sulcus Angle) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?

Inputs: Patellar tendon length (IS) 52 mm, Patellar length (IS) 42 mm, Articular edge → plateau (CD) 34 mm, Articular surface length (CD) 32 mm, TT-TG distance 17 mm, TT-PCL distance 21 mm, Sulcus angle 140 ° → Result: Insall-Salvati ratio 1.24(Insall-Salvati ratio: 1.24 → ≥ 1.2: patella alta (instability risk factor), Caton-Deschamps index: 1.06 → 0.6–1.2: normal, TT-TG distance: 17 mm → 15–20 mm: borderline)

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Patellar height (Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps), TT-TG, TT-PCL and sulcus angle for patella alta/baja, lateralized tubercle and trochlear dysplasia. Includes how to measure and what each value means. Instant, browser-side.

Open guideline tool →

For licensed clinicians. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.

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