J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2013 Dec;48(6):457-463. 10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.6.457.

Correlation of Notch Configuration between Subjects with and Subjects without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

• Kim HK
• Moon DK
• Gwark JY
• Nam DC
• Kim DH
• Hwang SC

• KMID: 2185280
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.6.457

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the 3-dimensional (D) notch volume and the 2D notch width and notch shape as measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), between subjects with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and those without ACL injury.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Knee MRI images were taken from 72 subjects with ACL injury and 80 subjects without ACL injury (January 2007 to January 2012; Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea). We measured 3D notch volume and 2D notch width and notch shape. The measured values from MRI figures between ACL-injured subjects and non-ACL-injured subjects were compared and analyzed. These measurements (notch width, notch ratio) were correlated to notch volume. Both intra-observer reliability and inter-observer reliability were calculated.
RESULTS
Notch width differed significantly between ACL injured subjects and non-injured subjects (p<0.001), while no significant differences in notch volume and notch shape were observed between the groups (male: p=0.43, female: p=0.22).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study might suggest that certain 2D measurements (notch width) of the notch could be better than notch volume for prediction of ACL rupture risk.

Keyword

knee; intercondylar notch; anterior cruciate ligament

MeSH Terms

Anterior Cruciate Ligament*
Female
Gyeongsangnam-do
Humans
Knee
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Rupture

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 T2-weighted axial images, The borders of the notch are outlined. The posterior border of the notch: a line between the two points on the inside of the femoral condyles where the cartilage ends. (A) First image with both femoral condyles visible, as indicated by the articular cartilage. (B) Last image with continuity between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The notch volume is calculated by summation of the area of all images within the defined femoral notch and multiplication by the slice thickness (3 mm).

• 

  Figure 2 T1-weighted coronal image. A line is shown along the most inferior part of the femoral condyles and a line parallel to this line at an intermediate image among those obtained where the popliteal grooves can be seen, where the notch width was measured.

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  Figure 3 T2-weighted axial image, Measurement of the length of the base and height of the intercondylar notch at the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) origin, ratio (height/base) was performed.

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