Deep Lateral Femoral Notch: A Sign of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Disruption

摘要

The 'deep lateral femoral notch' sign refers to an osteochondral impaction injury of the lateral femoral condyle that is associated with disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). At the time of injury, the tibia translates anteriorly relative to the femur resulting in an impaction injury of the lateral femoral condyle against the posterior tibial plateau. Identification of the 'deep' sulcus on the lateral radiograph of the knee is a clear indicator of significant trauma and has a high association with ACL disruption.