The influence of the intercondylar notch dimensions on injury of the anterior cruciate ligament: a meta-analysis

Abstract

The meta-analysis findings concluded that narrow intercondylar notch dimensions were associated with the risk of ACL injury. A lower NWI or NW stenosis predisposes an individual to ACL injury. Further original studies should include more anatomical risk factors that could be associated with the risk of ACL injury.

ACL Research Retreat VII: An Update on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factor Identification, Screening, and Prevention

“…The majority of prospective and retrospective case-control studies comparing ACL-injured patients with uninjured controls indicate that ACL-injured patients have smaller ACLs (in area and volume), 94,95 greater lateral posterior-inferior tibial plateau slopes (but not necessarily medial tibial slopes), [96][97][98][99][100] and smaller femoral notch widths and notch width indexes. 95,98,[101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108] The presence of a more prominent or thicker bony ridge on the anteromedial outlet of the femoral intercondylar notch has also been reported in ACL-injured patients versus controls. [95][96][97][98] In addition, reduced condylar depth of the medial tibial plateau may be characteristic of ACL injury.…”

An Evaluation of the Association Between Radiographic Intercondylar Notch Narrowing and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Men: The Notch Angle Is a Better Parameter Than Notch Width

“…7,[13][14][15] Although there is greater consensus on the higher risk of ACL injury with increased posterior-lateral tibial plateau slope in men, 8,10,16 the role of the medial plateau slope [8][9][10][11]16,17 and the intercondylar notch width 12,[18][19][20] in the risk of ACL injuries remains controversial. In addition, there is a poor understanding of the role of other femoral and tibial morphologic parameters (condylar width, lateral condylar width, medial condylar width, intercondylar notch angle and depth, coronal tibial slope, anterior tibial slope, and Blumensaat line) in the risk of ACL injuries.…”

ACL Injury and Rehabilitation

“…Hormonal factors have been postulated to contribute to the increased incidence of ACL injuries in females, but research has not proven this to be an independent risk factor. Narrow intercondylar notch dimensions have been associated with an increased risk of ACL injury, with a lower intercondylar notch width index and intercondylar notch width stenosis predisposing to ACL injury [17]. Neuromuscular control patterns and biomechanical patterns have been found to be amenable to specific prevention programs [8].…”