International Journal of Anatomical Sciences 2010, 1: 26-30
Research Paper
Morphology of the Intercondylar Notch and its Clinical Significance
Ravichandran D,a Melani R.b
Department of Anatomy, VMKV Medical College, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India; bDepartment of Anatomy, SRMC &RI, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Key Words: intercondylar notch, dimensions, anterior cruciate ligament
Abstract: The dimensions of the intercondylar notch of dry femora and in cadavers were measured and their clinical implications were assessed. The study was conducted in two groups, Group A (dry bones) and Group B (cadaveric knees). The dimensions including notch width, condylar width, notch depth, condylar depth and the shape of the notch were measured using standard guidelines in both groups. In group B, the status of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was also noted and categorized. Using these datas, the notch width index (NWI) and notch depth index (NDI) were calculated. The results were analyzed statistically. The average notch width index was found to be 0.252 in dry bones and 0.230 in cadavers. The average notch depth index was found to be 0.467 in dry bones and 0.502 in cadavers. The shape of the notch (in both groups) in majority of the cases was “inverted U” and in few cases it was “triangular”. Sixteen knees showed laxity of ACL with marginal reduction of both indices. The clinical implications are discussed.