Comparison of Intercondylar Notch Width Index and Reverse Notch Width Index in Cases With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

Abstract

Objective: To compare intercondylar notch width index and reverse notch width index in cases with and without anterior cruciate ligament tears. Patients and methods: 33 patients with a positive lachman’s test and pivot shift and a complete ACL tear on MRI were taken as cases. 33 patients with knee pain but a negative Lachman’s test and pivot shift and no ACL tear on MRI were taken as controls. To obtain the radiographic images of femoral intercondylar notch, the Holmblad (1937) method was used. The Notch width index and the Reverse notch width index was calculated for all the cases and controls from radiographic measurements and the results were compared statistically using Pearson chi square test. Results: The maximum number of cases and controls were in the age group 21-30 years with mean age of 28.61 yrs for cases and 28.91 yrs for controls. Maximum number of cases (69.7%) and controls (75.8%) had NWI greater than 0.25. Maximum number of cases (45.5%) and controls (54.5%) had RNWI less than 4.7 indicating wide notch. Conclusion: No significant relation could be established between Notch width Index and Reverse notch width index with anterior cruciate ligament injury.