Morphology of the quadriceps tendon and its patella insertion site on three-dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging: A cadaveric study

Aim: This study was conducted to clarify the morphological properties of the quadriceps tendon (QT) and its patella insertion site using three-dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: Twenty-one right knees from human cadavers were evaluated using threedimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The morphologies of the QT and its patella insertion site were evaluated, along with intra-tendon differences in length, width, and thickness. Results: The QT insertion site on the patella was dome-shaped without characteristic bony features. The mean surface area of the insertion site was 502.5 & PLUSMN; 68.5 mm2 (range, 336.0- 610.7). The QT was longest 2.0 mm lateral to the central width of the insertion and gradually became shorter toward both edges (mean length, 59.7 & PLUSMN; 8.3 mm). The QT was widest at the insertion site (mean width, 39.1 & PLUSMN; 5.3 mm) and gradually became narrower toward the proximal side. The QT was thickest 2.0 mm medial to the center (mean thickness, 11.4 & PLUSMN; 1.9 mm). Conclusion: The morphological properties of the QT and its insertion site were consistent. The characteristics of the QT graft depend on the harvested region. & COPY; 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.