PhD defence J.J.F.A. (Joost) Eijkenboom

Brief summary:

My dissertation focuses on the relationship between patellofemoral pain (PFP) and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA), with particular emphasis on the role of patellar shape in these conditions. PFP, commonly seen in young adults, is characterized by pain around the kneecap without a clear cause. In contrast, PFOA is a joint disorder that mainly affects older adults and is often marked by cartilage loss and bone changes.

A central question in my research is whether PFP can be a precursor to PFOA. Both conditions share biomechanical risk factors such as malalignment, quadriceps dysfunction, and pain during stair climbing. To investigate this hypothesis, I used statistical shape models to analyse the shape variations of the patella in different populations: healthy controls, patients with PFP, and patients with PFOA.

My results show that both patients with PFP and patients with PFOA have specific shape variations of the patella that differ from healthy controls. However, based on this dissertation, we cannot determine if PFP is a precursor to PFOA. Long-term research based on data registration is needed to better understand the long-term connections between PFP and PFOA.

In addition, I examined clinical features such as pain when climbing stairs and crepitus in relation to specific 3D shape modes of the patella. I found associations between shape differences and symptoms of PFP and PFOA.

In conclusion, my dissertation contributes to the understanding of the role of patellar shape in patellofemoral conditions and emphasizes the importance of longitudinal research and data registration for future studies.