Notch geometry varies with sex and anthropometrics: An analysis on 1043 adults

The geometry of the Notch within the knee joint is highly discussed to influence the overall knee stability and can predict the rupture of the cruciate ligaments. Therefore, associations between anthropometric measurements and notch geometry may help to identify patients at risk for soft tissue knee trauma or inferior surgical outcome. To better describe the normal anatomy of the notch geometry, the primary objective of this study was to examine the notch geometry in a large general population cohort and to define reference values. Furthermore, associations of anthropometric parameters on the notch geometry were examined.

Notch Depth, Notch Angle, Notch Width and Notch Width Index were measured on bilateral knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 1043 participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), aged 28-89 years. SHIP drew a sample of the adult general population of Northeastern Germany. Reference values for Notch parameters were assessed by quantile regression models. Associations of sex, age, body height and body weight with the Notch parameters were calculated by linear regression models.

Significantly higher values for men were present for all Notch parameters (p = <0.001-0.037) as well as a positive association with age (p = 0.001-0.025). Increasing body height was positively associated with Notch Depth and Notch Width (p = <0.001), whereas Notch Angle showed an inverse relation to body height (p = 0.001). Additionally, Notch Depth showed a significant association with body weight (p = 0.009). Based on these associations, adjusted reference values were calculated.

Knee notch geometry is influenced by sex and anthropometric factors. Therefore, individual reference values were provided to enable patient-specific diagnostics.

Level II.