Anatomical considerations of intercondylar notch dimensions of femur in cadavers with intact anterior cruciate ligament

Abstract

Background: The femoral intercondylar notch is an anatomic site of interest since it houses the anterior cruciate ligament which is one of the importantstructure stabilizing knee. The configuration of the intercondylar notch is related to the active functioning of the cruciate ligaments. Objective: The primary objective of the study was to measure the intercondylar notch dimensions of femur in cadavers with intact ACL and its correlation. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 30 cadaveric knees provided by department of Anatomy. The measurements of intercondylar notch like width at the base of the notch, width in the middle of the notch, width at the top of the notch, height of the notch were measured using a digital vernier callipers with knee in 90 degree flexion. Results: Among the 30 cadaveric knees whose intercondylar notch dimensions were measured, 20 were male and 10 were female. All the 30 knees were categorized into A-, U, and W-shaped notch knees. A shaped intercondylar notch was accounted for 13, U shaped 16 and W shaped 1 knee. There was a significant difference (P = 0.048) in notch width at base in A-, U-, and W-shaped notches. The highest is of W followed by A- and U-shaped notches. Conclusion: This study shreds light on the normal intercondylar notch dimensions of femur and its correlation with different notch shapes. This study would help for the comparison of notch dimensions and finding out the causal reason for ACL insufficiency.