The influence of the morphometric parameters of the intercondylar notch on rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

Abstract

Background/Aim. Morpohometric parameters of the intercondylar notch of femur present one of the substantial risk factors for rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In morphometric studies of the knee the most often referred indexes are notch width index and notch shape index. The aim of this study was to identificate the morphometric parameters of the intercondylar notch as risk factors for ACL rupture. Methods. This study included 99 patients divided into two groups: the study group (n = 57) composed of patients with chronic instability of the knee because of previos rupture of the ACL, and the control group (n = 42) composed of patients with lesion of the knee, but without rupture of the ACL. Measuring the width and height of intercondylar notch and epicondylar width was observed on a horizontal MR section. According to these values notch width and notch shape indexes were calculated. Results. The study group had statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05) intercondylar notch and lesser notch shape index than the control group (p < 0.05). The difference was highly statistically significant (p < 0.01) only in males, but not in females (p > 0.05). Absolute dimensions of the morphometric parameters of the distal part of the femur had highly statatistically significant larger values (p < 0.01) in males than females, exept in case of the intercondilar height in the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Enhanced height of the intercondylar notch as well as lesser value of the notch shape index are associated with rupture of the ACL in males but not in females.

Keywords

• anterior cruciate ligament
• knee injuries
• femur
• risk factors
• magnetic resonance imaging