ACL Morsky: Semi-automatic Tool for Assessing the Risk of Developing an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the most injured ligaments. Various researches have studied the relationship between ACL rupture and the bony morphology attempting to understand why ACL rupture occurs. The most investigated predisposing factors in the scientific literature are mainly related to the femoral intercondylar notch and the tibial plateau. The aim of the present research is to create a semi-automatic tool for assessing the risk of developing an ACL injury. A package, named ACL Morsky, has been created in 3D Slicer to follow the entire workflow. The process starts with the load of DICOM data. Three-dimensional models are reconstructed by means of segmentation. Then, five parameters, considered risk factors for the ligament rupture, are measured both in 2D images and on 3D models. A specific algorithm compares the measured values with the range in literature to evaluate the probability of developing an ACL injury. The physician is provided with a report for the patient and his/her risk factors. Knowing in advance the risk of rupture can help in reducing it with preventive plans.