Deep lateral femoral notch sign
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/DeepLateralFemoralNotchSign.jpg)
Radiograph with a deep lateral femoral notch (gray arrow) and an effusion (pink arrow)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/DeepLateralFemoralNotchSignMeasurement.gif/150px-DeepLateralFemoralNotchSignMeasurement.gif)
Measurement technique to determine the depth of the femoral notch on lateral x-rays
In radiology, the deep lateral femoral notch sign is a finding on a lateral radiograph that is considered an indirect sign of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).[1][2] It is an abnormal deepening of the lateral condylopatellar sulcus from an osteochondral impaction fracture.[1][3] A depth greater than 1.5 mm is a reliable sign of a torn ACL.[1]
References[]
- ^ a b c Pao, D. G. (2001). "The lateral femoral notch sign". Radiology. 219 (3): 800–801. doi:10.1148/radiology.219.3.r01jn12800. PMID 11376273.
- ^ Cobby, M. J.; Schweitzer, M. E.; Resnick, D. (1992). "The deep lateral femoral notch: An indirect sign of a torn anterior cruciate ligament". Radiology. 184 (3): 855–858. doi:10.1148/radiology.184.3.1509079. PMID 1509079.
- ^ Yu, J. S.; Bosch, E.; Pathria, M. N.; McAndless, M.; Mishra, D.; Daniel, D.; Clopton, P.; Resnick, D. (1995). "Deep lateral femoral sulcus: Study of 124 patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear". Emergency Radiology. 2 (3): 129. doi:10.1007/BF02615790.
Categories:
- Musculoskeletal radiographic signs