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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:27
Non-Invasive Compression-Induced Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury and In Vivo Imaging of Protease Activity in Mice
Published on: September 29, 2023
Does the lateral intercondylar ridge disappear in ACL deficient patients?
Carola F van Eck1, Kenneth R Morse, Bryson P Lesniak
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Kaufman Building Suite 1011, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Summary
This study found no difference in femoral bony ridges between sub-acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. These ridges may serve as landmarks for ACL reconstruction in both injury types.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common, affecting knee joint stability.
- Understanding the anatomical variations associated with ACL injuries is crucial for surgical repair.
- Femoral bony ridges are potential landmarks for the native ACL insertion site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of lateral intercondylar and lateral bifurcate ridges in patients with sub-acute versus chronic ACL injuries.
- To determine if the chronicity of an ACL injury influences the visibility of these femoral bony ridges.
Main Methods:
- A matched-pairs case-control study involving 50 patients (25 sub-acute, 25 chronic ACL injuries).
- Three blinded observers assessed the presence, absence, or indeterminacy of the lateral intercondylar and lateral bifurcate ridges.
- Inter-observer reliability was assessed using kappa statistics.
Main Results:
- The lateral intercondylar ridge was present in 88% of both sub-acute and chronic ACL injury groups.
- The lateral bifurcate ridge was present in 48% of both sub-acute and chronic ACL injury groups.
- No statistically significant difference was found in the presence of either ridge between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- The presence of the lateral intercondylar and lateral bifurcate ridges does not differ between sub-acute and chronic ACL injuries.
- These femoral bony ridges can be considered reliable landmarks for the native ACL insertion site during ACL reconstruction, regardless of injury chronicity.
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