Beschreibung:
IntroductionAs the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is not only impinged against the roof but also against the lateral wall of the intercondylar notch (IN), information of changes during life and especially the progression of osteoarthritis could be relevant in predicting the risk for ACL‐rupture and ‐degeneration. Therefore the purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of osteoarthritis on notch morphology, on the cruciate ligaments as well as on the meniscofemoral ligaments.Material and MethodsImage data was retrieved from the osteoarthritis initiative (part 2). In coronal and axial images osseous structures were measured. At the level of the popliteal sulcus and on the level of the joint line, the width of the lateral and medial femoral condyle, the notch width (NW) as well as the total width of the distal femur were measured. The notch width index (NWI) was calculated. On whole‐leg radiographs the leg alignment was measured. The morphology of the ACL, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the meniscofemoral ligaments were assessed.ResultsThe morphology of the IN is directly influenced by the development of osteoarthritis. Three types of shapes (A‐shape, Inverse‐U‐shape, Ω‐shape) were defined to characterize these changes. Especially the Ω‐shape is directly correlated with rupture of the ACL. Changes to the IN also significantly influence the morphology of the other ligamentous structures.ConclusionTo reflect the intimate correlation of the osseous structures and the ligaments of the IN, the term intercondylar space was created. It is not a static area but undergoes continuous changes throughout life. At the level of the joint line a NWI <0.17 and a NW < 14 mm should be interpreted as notch stenosis and are definite risk factors for ACL rupture. Measurements combined with the evaluation of the shape of the IN could improve risk estimation for ligament pathologies through semiquantitative assessment.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.