Differences in three intercondylar notch geometry indices between males and females: a cadaver study

The primary purpose of this unique evaluation of cadaveric skeletal geometry was to compare intercondylar notch geometry between males and females. One hundred male skeletons and 100 female skeletons were evaluated. Three indices of notch geometry were calculated from digital photographs of the distal femur: notch width index, notch area index, and notch shape index. Notch shape index for males exceeded that for females (P < 0.004). The intercondylar notch appears less round in females and may play a role in causing ACL injuries. Future studies are required to confirm any link between notch geometry and ACL injury. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.