Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can distinguish between a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and a normal ACL. Materials and Methods: MR images of 20 patients with an arthroscopically confirmed partial ACL tear were retrospectively interpreted by the author, comparing with normal ACLs. Results and Discussion: All knees with a partial ACL tear had a continuous band of low signal, of which 15 had no increased signal intensity on proton density-weighted images. MRI could not distinguish between a partial ACL tear and a normal ACL. Orthopedic surgeons had better consider an ACL tear when a patient has traumatic hemarthrosis or anxiety provoked by the sensation of the knee ‘going out’ or ‘giving way’ during the pivot shift test, even if the ACL has a continuous band of low signal on the oblique sagittal view on MRI.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
