Radiographic analysis of the relationship of the lateral intercondylar ridge, Blumensaat's line, and posterior margin of the lateral femoral condyle

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the radiographic position of the lateral intercondylar ridge (LIR) and its relationship with the Blumensaat line (BL) and the tangent to the posterior cortex (PCT) of the distal femur. On 35 femur specimens, the LIR was labeled by using a 1 gauge wire. A true lateral view with the distal femur was taken. On the taken plain radiographs, we measured angles that close between BL and LIR, PCT and LIR. We also measured the ratio in which LIR crosses the BL. The mean angle between BL and LIR was 70,130 (SD 12,690), and the mean angle that BL closes with PCT was 143,610 (SD 7,910). The point where LIR intersects the BL divides it in a 1:6 ratio. Using these radiological measurements will allow surgeons to quickly estimate the position of the LIR and also allow quick and convenient preoperative planning, intraoperative tunnel placement as well as postoperative analysis.

Keywords

• Anatomy
• Anterior cruciate ligament
• radiography