Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the significance of the tibio-femoral morphological variables (notch width index, notch shape index, intercondylar notch angle, medial and lateral tibial slopes) in predicting non-contact ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries and to compare these factors between genders in South Asian population. The author hopes to provide a comprehensive analysis on the risk factors which would help in betterment of the patients at danger for anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Materials and methods: A total of 110 MRI knees of patients with 55 subjects of noncontact ACL injury and 55 age and sex matched controls were included in a retrospective study. Notch width index, notch shape index, intercondylar notch angle were assessed in axial and coronal MR imaging along with medial and lateral posterior tibial slopes. Morphology of the notch was also assessed.
Results: ACL injured group were found to have a statistically significant narrow notch width index and decreased intercondylar notch angle with increased lateral posterior tibial slope. Type-A notches were found to have increased risk of having ACL injuries. Gender comparative results showed no statistically significant differences.
Conclusion: ACL tears are associated with decreased notch width index, intercondylar notch angle and increased lateral posterior tibial slope. Type-A notches are seen to have increased risk for ACL injuries.
Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Anterior cruciate ligament injuries; Intercondylar notch angle; Knee injuries/ etiology; Magnetic resonance imaging; Notch width index; Posterior tibial slope; Risk factors.