Editorial Commentary: Tibial Tubercle-Trochlear Groove Distance as an Independent Risk Factor for Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Is Possible but Remains Uncertain.

The MRI tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance is statistically significantly higher in adolescent and young adults with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears compared with those without tears. The authors use lateral thinking to assess this marker for extensor mechanism alignment as a potential risk factor for ACL tear. Yet the approximate 2 mm increase seen in those with ACL tears portends unproven clinical significance.