Pınar Özge AVAR AYDIN, Esra Gizem KOYUNCU, Nuray ARDA, Levent ÖZÇAKAR
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics - 2026;68(3):393-400
Background. Distal femoral cartilage is the most commonly deteriorated articular cartilage during metabolic and inflammatory processes. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is a widely accessible imaging modality to assess distal femoral cartilage thickness (DFCT). This study aims to explore DFCT and associated factors in healthy adolescents. Methods. Healthy adolescents aged between 12-18 years were eligible for the study. The central points of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the intercondylar area were measured on bilateral knees by using B-mode MSUS according to a predefined scanning protocol. The average of DFCT measurements was evaluated according to age, sex, anthropometric measurements, exercise habits, and vitamin D levels. Results. A total of 150 adolescents participated in the study, with a mean age of 15 year; 67% were female. Age and sex were two factors showing significant effects on mean DFCT (p<=0.001). A negative mild correlation was observed between age and mean DFCT (r=-0.252, p=0.002). Weight, height, body mass index, and exercise frequency were not related to DFCT. Participants with severe vitamin D deficiency had similar DFCT when compared with others, and no correlation was observed between their levels (r=0.109, p=0.191). Conclusion. DFCT varies during adolescence, with age and sex identified as the primary associated factors. Anthropometric measurements, exercise frequency, and vitamin D levels did not show any effect on DFCT in healthy adolescents.
