Ultrasonography and clinical examination of knee injuries in pre- and post- menarche dancers

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at evaluating whether the prevalence of knee injuries and morphological features are different among pre-and-post menarche dancers; Sixty-seven pre-and-post menarche dancers were screened for anthropometric parameters; knee laxity; patella femoral pain syndrome (PFPS), pathologies and anatomical structure of the knees. Both groups showed a high and similar prevalence of PFPS. The post-menarche dancers produced a significantly higher rate of Tanner stages 3–4 (p = .010), greater weight (p < .001) higher BMI (p = .003); and, higher prevalence of MCL pathology, pes planus, and scoliosis compared with pre-menarche dancers (p < .05). The pre-menarche dancers started dance practice earlier (p = .008); and, showed significantly higher prevalence of lateral laxity, patellar laxity, positive Lachman test and positive Drawer test compared with post-menarche dancers (p < .05). Interactions (menarche yes/no by PFPS no/one leg/both legs) were found for BMI (p = .044; η² = .187), trochlear cartilage thickness (p = .020; η² = 0.121) and tip of patella – trochlear groove distance (p = .024; η² = .150). Pre-and-post-menarche female dancers demonstrated similar prevalence of knee injuries, with different body morphology.

KEYWORDS:

• Ultrasonography
• age onset of menarche
• dance
• knee joint
• PFPS
• Intra articular effusion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Pais Committee for Art and Culture, Israel [Pais-7097];