Value of intercondylar notch plasty: CT studies and peroperative measurements of 127 knees

Abstract

The intercondylar notch diameter was measured in six knees on CT scans before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. During the operation, direct measurements of the anterior notch diameter was also performed before and after notch plasty. There was good agreement between CT and peroperative measurements, showing that the enlargement of the intercondylar notch can be measured on the CT scan. Twenty-one patients previously reconstructed because of old anterior cruciate ligament injuries were reexamined after a median of 4 years, and their notch diameters were measured by CT or at reoperation. The notch remained open in stable knees, but was narrowed in unstable knees. The notch diameter before notch plasty was assessed with a calliper at operation on 45 patients with acute and 60 patients with old injuries. Both groups had a mean intercondylar diameter of 16 mm. The conclusion that the notch plasty stays open in stable knees emphasizes the importance of this step in the reconstruction procedure.