Summary
This prospective study evaluated the intercondylar notch width in dogs with naturally
occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. The intercondylar notch width
was measured in 45 stifles with CCL injuries and 98 normal stifle joints to determine
if stifles with CCL injuries have outlet stenosis of the intercondylar notch. A notch
width index was calculated in order to compensate for the variety of dog sizes. Stifles
with CCL injuries had significantly smaller notch width indices as compared to normal
stifles. We concluded that intercondylar notchplasty should be performed if an intra-articular
repair of the CCL deficient stifle is planned in order to minimize impingement of
the stenotic intercondylar notch on the intra-articular graft.
An intercondylar notch width index was determined in 45 stifles with cranial cruciate
ligament (CCL) injuries and 98 normal stifle joints. Stifles with CCL injuries were
found to have significantly smaller intercondylar notch width indices as compared
to normal stifles.
Keywords
Intercondylar notch - cranial cruciate ligament - intercondylar notchplasty - canine