Patellar Tendon Length is Associated with Lower Extremity Length but Not Gender

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the patellar tendon length (PTL) with focus on gender differences and possible correlations with the total leg length (TLL) and the long bones of the lower extremity. Materials and Methods The sample involved 50 paired lower extremities from human adult cadavers. The TLL was measured between the medial malleolus and the apex of the greater trochanter. The femoral length (FL) was evaluated as the interval between the latter and the distal margin of the lateral epicondyle of the femur and the tibial length (TL) from the distal apex of the medial malleolus to the proximal border of the medial condyle of the tibia. The PTL was measured from the apex of the patella to its proximal insertion point at the tibial tuberosity. Results The PTL was at a mean length of 4.29 ± 0.49 cm (right side) and 4.20 ± 0.55 cm (left side) in females and 4.42 ± 0.53 cm (right) and 4.32 ± 0.55 cm (left) in males. There were no differences regarding gender ( p = .412). The left PTL was significantly shorter in both sexes ( p = .022). The PTL correlated positively with FL, TL, and TLL in both sexes and sides. Conclusion PTL correlates significantly positively with size without gender differences.