How Do Bone Shapes Indicate Arthritis?

Abstract

In this chapter we return to the analysis of the bone shape data discussed in Chapter 4. The intercondylar notch, the inside of the inverted U-shape shown in Figure 1.5, is considered important by medical specialists. The anterior cruciate ligament runs through the intercondylar notch, and damage to this ligament is known to be a risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee. Although other studies have examined large-scale features of the intercondylar notch, there has not been very much examination of its detailed shape, nor of its direct relationship to the incidence of osteoarthritis.