Femoral Intercondylar Notch (ICN) width in Nigerians: its relationship to femur length.

We have investigated and measured the Femoral Intercondylar Notch (ICN) width in Nigerians and found the mean to be 2.24cm (22.4mm). The Intercondylar Notch (ICN) width ranged from 1.18cm (18.1mm) to 2.80cm (28.0mm). The mean value for the left femur was found to be 2.21cm and 2.27cm for the right femur. It is suggested that the difference could be the result of dominant use of one foot over the other or to occupational habit. This needs further investigation. The Femoral Intercondylar Notch (ICN) width is not related to Femur length as no relationship was found to exist between the two (p > 0.05). We conclude that since stenosed notch individuals are at high risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, the normal values of Intercondylar Notch (ICN) width that we have established may be utilized for practical and accurate screening of individuals who are predisposed to Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures and injuries.