Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in assessing medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus injuries? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ultrasonography offers several unique strengths over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that makes it a promising technique for the evaluation of certain disorders of the knee. Ultrasonography has higher spatial resolution than MRI, which may be helpful in evaluating the superficial structures and popliteal fossa of the knee in detail. Visualizing the medial collateral ligament (MCL) under ultrasound is relatively easy due to its superficial location, spanning from the medial femoral condyle to the medial tibial metaphysis. Meanwhile, MRI is expensive, not advisable to all due to its claustrophobia and ferromagnetic property. Ultrasound, on the other hand, is an inexpensive, widely available, and non-invasive technique which also allows dynamic imaging. Our objective is to assess the validity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of medial knee injuries in comparison with MRI findings. Materials and Methods: Patients attending the Department of Orthopaedics are referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis of Government (TD) Medical College, Alappuzha, who were clinically suspected to have medial knee injury, during the study. This study was a prospective study. Prospective patients with clinically suspected medial knee injuries scheduled for MRI of the knee were evaluated by ultrasound examination before the MRI. Sonographic findings were then compared to MRI results. Results and Discussion: Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. 73.3% of the study population were male and most of them belonged in their 2nd and 3rd decades. Most of the injuries were left-sided (60%) and majority (65%) presented for radiological evaluation within 1 week–1 month of history of injury. The accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of MCL and medial meniscus injuries were 86.7% and 85%, respectively. Ultrasonography demonstrated 89.6% sensitivity and 75% specificity for MCL injuries and 85.3% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity for medial meniscus tears. The most frequent knee finding in this study was joint effusion which was seen in 50 (83.3%) of patients. Conclusion: Ultrasonography gives high accuracy and specificity in the detection of MCL and medial meniscal injuries. Ultrasound may have a role as the initial rapid imaging modality in patients with suspected MCL or medial meniscus injuries, and it may serve as an effective low-cost screening tool for patients with medial meniscal or MCL injuries and avoid performing the high-cost MRI.

The present study examined the prevalence of bone contusions in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury as well as its association with tears of the lateral meniscus, medial meniscus, and medial collateral ligament (MCL). Eighty-one patients with an arthroscopy-proven ACL rupture for whom magnetic resonance images (MRI) were acquired within six weeks after the initial trauma were examined. The bone contusions on the lateral femoral condyle, lateral aspect of the tibial plateau, medial femoral condyle, and medial aspect of the tibial plateau were documented. The injury to MCL was also observed with MRI. The tears of the lateral meniscus and medial meniscus were detected during arthroscopy. The prevalence of lateral meniscus, medial meniscus, and MCL injuries was compared with the existence of the bone contusions. Sixty-eight (84%) of the eighty-one knees had bone contusions on magnetic resonance imaging. The prevalence of bone contusions was 68%, 73%, 24%, and 26% in the lateral femoral condyle, lateral aspect of the tibial plateau, medial femoral condyle, and medial aspect of the tibial plateau, respectively. There were two fractures of the posterolateral aspect of the tibial plateau and two fractures of the posteromedial aspect of the tibial plateau. The overall prevalences of injury to the lateral meniscus and medial meniscus were 54% (forty-four of eighty-one) and 51% (forty-one of eighty-one), respectively. The prevalence of MCL injuries was 22% (eighteen of eighty-one). The prevalences of lateral meniscus (p = 0.010), medial meniscus (p = 0.011), and MCL (p = 0.066) injuries increased as the bone contusion progressed from being absent, to involving only the lateral compartment, and finally to involving both lateral and medial compartments. Bone contusions were prevalent in patients with ACL ruptures, and injuries of the menisci and the MCL tended to increase with the progression of bone contusion. The contrecoup mechanism of bone contusion on the medial compartment resulting from an ACL injury was supported. These results suggest that a higher-energy injury led to a more extensive bone contusion and a greater prevalence of associated injury of other anatomic structures in the knee.

To evaluate the surgical procedure and short-term effectiveness of one-stage repair and reconstruction of knee dislocation with multiple ligament injuries (KDMLI). Between September 2010 and April 2014, 9 cases (9 knees) of KDMLI were treated. There were 7 males and 2 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 27-57 years). Injury was caused by traffic accident in 3 cases, heavy-weight crushing in 3 cases, sports sprain in 2 cases, and falling from height in 1 case. The average time from injury to operation was 11 days (range, 3-19 days). The results of posterior drawer test and Lachman test were positive in all patients. The results of varus stress testing were three-degree positive in 4 cases, and the results of valgus stress testing were three-degree positive in 6 cases. The Lysholm score of knee was 27.2±6.3; the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 29.7±6.5; and the range of motion (ROM) was (52.6±12.8)°. All patients suffered from posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and femoral avulsion injury of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Combined injuries included medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in 4 cases (medial meniscus injury in 1 case), lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury in 2 cases, and MCL and LCL injuries in 2 cases (medial meniscus and lateral meniscus injuries in 1 case). Autologous harmstring tendon was used to reconstruct PCL under arthroscopy combined with limited open in situ suture for repair of femoral avulsion injury of ACL, and repair of MCL, LCL, and other injury in one-stage operation. All incisions healed by first intention. Joint effusion of knee occurred in 1 case and was cured after removal of fluid combined with pressure bandage. All patients were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 22 months. At last follow-up, the result of posterior drawer test was negative in all patients. The results of Lachman test were one-degree positive in 2 cases; the result of varus stress testing was one-degree positive in 1 case; the results of valgus stress testing were one-degree positive in 2?cases; and flexion dysfunction of the knee was observed in 1 case. The Lysholm score of knee was 87.3±6.6; the IKDC score was 88.9±6.8; and the ROM was (121.7±12.3)°, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=44.246, P=0.000; t=37.903, P=0.000; t=19.894, P=0.000). For KDMLI, one-stage repair and reconstruction using autologous harmstring tendon to reconst ruct PCL under arthroscopy combined with limited open in situ suture repair of femoral avulsion injury of ACL, and repair MCL, LCL, and other injury has such advantages as minimal invasiveness, reliable fixation, less complications, and fast recovery, which can significantly improve the stability, ROM, and function of knee and obtain good short-term effectiveness.

BackgroundAcute knee injuries represent a prevalent cause of morbidity among athletes and, if overlooked, could potentially lead to the development of chronic functional limitations. This study aimed to identify marrow contusion patterns around the knee and find the relation between each pattern and the intra- and extra-articular soft tissue injuries. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out on 109 patients who presented to the hospital where the study was held with recent knee joint injury, for which magnetic resonance imaging was requested from January 2017 to January 2019.ResultsThe entire patient population under investigation had a mean age of 30.2 ± 9.7 years. Regarding gender distribution, the study comprised 90 males (82.6%) and 19 females (17.4%). Regarding bone marrow contusion patterns in all studied patients, it was pivot shift in 58 patients (53.2%), clip injury in 11 patients (10.1%), dashboard injury in 7 patients (6.4%), hyperextension injury in 3 patients (2.8%), lateral patellar dislocation in 15 patients (13.8%), and others in 15 patients (13.8%). In the pivot shift pattern group, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial meniscus, and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries were most commonly seen in 94.8, 50, and 44.8% of patients, respectively. Among the clip pattern group, MCL, ACL, and medial meniscus injuries were most common in 90.9, 36.4, and 36.4%, respectively. Regarding the dashboard injury group, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), ACL, and medial and lateral menisci were the most common injury structures (100, 57.1, 42.9, and 42.9%, respectively). Despite the hyperextension pattern being found in a small number of patients, it shows 100% medial meniscal and 66.7% PCL injuries. Within the group of lateral patellar dislocation patterns, 100% of cases exhibited injuries to the medial patellofemoral ligament.ConclusionsPrecise localization of the marrow contusion around the knee and defining its pattern help to anticipate the most probable associated soft tissue injuries and, thus, can increase our sensitivity in their detection. This can have a better impact on patients' management outcomes.

Introduction: In today's orthopaedic practice, meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent. It is more common in sports injuries and automobile accidents. In patients with ACL tears, meniscus problems are also common. Several studies have linked meniscus injuries to the development of osteoarthritis in early stages. Early onset of osteoarthritis has been observed in ACL-repaired patients with meniscus tears. As a result, meniscus tears should be detected and corrected as soon as possible to avoid degenerative changes in the knee joint. The goal of the study was to see if there was a link between meniscus injuries and ACL injuries in our rural community.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 48 patients at the R.L. Jalappa Hospital & Research Centre from January 2012 to December 2019. Patients between the ages of 18-65 diagnosed with ACL tear with/without meniscus damage in their knees were included in the study. Patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, previously operated index knees, and patients with more than grade 3 knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence classification) were excluded. Clinical assessment of patients with knee injuries, MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee joint details were collected. After obtaining the data, we estimated the incidence of meniscus injuries associated with chronic ACL injuries. We also calculated the percentage of side/laterality injury (medial meniscus or lateral meniscus) and part of meniscus injury (anterior horn, body, and posterior horn) in chronic ACL-deficient knees. Patient characteristics such as age and gender were correlated with functional knee assessment using a modified Lysholm score. P-value and chi-square tests were used to assess the data. P-value of less than 0.5 was considered significant.Results: Average age of the participants was 32.31 years. There were 42 men and six women in the group. Isolated medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, and combined medial and lateral meniscus had average ages of 31.83, 31.16, and 40.28 years, respectively. ACL injuries on the right side were seen in 23 patients the left side was seen in 25 patients. In comparison to the right side, the isolated medial meniscus injury on the left side was more severe. In case of a combination of medial and lateral meniscus tears, the right side suffered more damage than the left. Eleven patients had an isolated ACL tear without a meniscus injury, while the other 37 had a meniscus injury and an ACL tear. Excellent scores were observed in 11 cases, satisfactory scores in 26, and unsatisfactory in 11 cases. Age group was categorized into three groups, less than 30, 30-45, and more than 45 years. Excellent, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory scores were observed in seven, eleven, and seven patients on the left side and excellent, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory scores in four, fifteen, and four patients on the right side, respectively. P-value was not statistically significant when comparing outcomes by age, gender, or side.Conclusion: Meniscus injuries occurred 77% of the time when there was a persistent ACL injury. In comparison to a lateral meniscus injury, the incidence of medial meniscus injury associated with chronic ACL tear was higher. In comparison to the anterior horn and body of the medial meniscus, the majority of medial meniscus tears were found in the posterior horn.

To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex injuries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Data were extracted from the Natural Corollaries and Recovery After ACL Injury (NACOX) multicenter longitudinal cohort study. Between May 2016 and October 2018, patients who presented to 1 of 7 health care clinics across Sweden with an ACL tear sustained no more than 6 weeks earlier and who were aged between 15 and 40 years at the time of injury were invited to participate. All the patients included in this study underwent MRI. The mean time from injury to MRI was 19.6 ± 15.2 days. An orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery and a musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed all MRI scans. Injuries to the superficial MCL (sMCL), deep MCL (dMCL), and posterior oblique ligament were identified. Stepwise forward multiple binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, preinjury Tegner activity level, and activity at injury) and injuries on MRI (lateral meniscus [LM] injury, medial meniscus [MM] injury, pivot shift-type bone bruising, medial femoral condyle [MFC] bone bruising, and lateral femoral condyle [LFC] impaction) associated with the presence of MCL complex tears. In total, 254 patients (48.4% male patients) with a mean age of 25.4 ± 7.1 years were included. The overall prevalence of MCL (sMCL and dMCL) injuries and isolated dMCL injuries was 16.5% (42 of 254) and 24.8% (63 of 254), respectively. No isolated sMCL injuries were found. Posterior oblique ligament injuries were found in 12 patients (4.7%) with MCL (sMCL and dMCL) injuries. An LM injury (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73-8.94; P= .001) and LFC impaction (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.11-5.07; P= .02) increased the odds of having an MCL injury, whereas an MM injury (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12-0.59; P= .001) reduced the odds. Isolated dMCL injuries were significantly associated with MFC bone bruising (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.92-9.25; P < .001) and LFC impaction (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.99-7.49; P < .001). The overall combined prevalence of MCL (sMCL and dMCL) injuries and isolated dMCL injuries in patients with ACL tears was high (16.5%+ 24.8%= 41.3%). The presence of an LM injury and LFC impaction increased the odds of having an MCL injury, whereas the presence of an MM injury reduced the odds. MFC bone bruising and LFC impaction were associated with the presence of isolated dMCL injuries. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Objective The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of soft-tissue injuries in patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. Methods The data of 265 patients who had sustained posterolateral tibial plateau fractures between May 2009 and Aug 2014 were retrospectively reviewed using a picture archiving and communication system. Fractures were classified according to the Schatzker, AO/OTA, and quadrant classification systems. Soft-tissue injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral meniscus, and medial meniscus injuries, were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Results The overall incidence of ACL and PCL tears was 80 and 36%, respectively. Nine (36%) patients sustained ACL footprint avulsions and three (12%) had complete ACL tears. A total of 19 (76%) patients had LCL injuries, and 15 (64%) had MCL injuries. The incidence of lateral meniscus tears was 48%, while that of medial meniscus tears was 4%. Conclusion Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures were associated with a high incidence of soft-tissue injuries, especially ACL footprint avulsions and lateral meniscus tears. The preoperative MRI examination was important for surgeons to decide whether the ligament and meniscal injuries should be treated simultaneously with the repair of the bone fractures.

ABSTRACTPurposeCombined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are common and present challenges in management. While ACL reconstruction has been established, the optimal approach for combined ACL and MCL injuries remains debatable owing to the varying severity and chronicity of MCL injuries. This study aimed to describe a novel surgical technique for chronic ACL and grade III MCL injuries and assess whether simultaneous ACL and MCL reconstruction improves chronic MCL instability.MethodsA total of 41 patients diagnosed with combined ACL and MCL injuries were included in the study. Twenty‐five patients were allocated into the simple ACL reconstruction (SAR) group while 16 patients were allocated into the simultaneous ACL and MCL reconstruction (SAMR) group according to MCL injury severity. The surgical technique utilized a single ipsilateral hamstring autograft for both ACL and MCL reconstruction. Clinical assessments, including range of motion (ROM), functional score, Lachman test, and valgus instability, were conducted before and after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate graft quality.ResultsPostoperative outcomes revealed significant improvements in ROM, functional scores, Lachman test, and valgus instability in both groups. There were no significant differences between the SAR and SAMR groups, suggesting that patients with combined ACL rupture and severe MCL injuries can achieve similar stability outcomes as those with ACL rupture and mild MCL injuries. The MRI results revealed high‐quality grafts in both groups.ConclusionThis study introduces a novel technique using simple hamstring autografts for simultaneous ACL and MCL reconstruction, and this surgical technique can achieve knee stability comparable to that of low‐grade MCL injuries and can be used for single ACL reconstruction. Further research with larger sample sizes and long‐term follow‐up is needed to confirm these findings.

Objectives:Determine the frequency of bone contusion and associated injuries, observed in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.Methods:Seventy two patients with an ACL rupture were enrolled in our prospective study. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) and arthroscopic findings of all patients were examined in order to detect bone contusions and associated injuries, such as meniscal lesions and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. ACL rupture and meniscal lesions were also verified with knee arthroscopy. Correlation between bone contusions and meniscal lesions or MCL injury was performed. Statistical packet STATA 8.0 was used for data analysis and significance was set at p<0.05.Results:Fifty eight (80.5%) patients presented with associated bone contusions observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Lateral aspect of the tibia plateau (71%) and lateral femoral condyle (69%) were the most common sites with contusions. Medial compartment was associated with contusions of medial aspect of the tibia plateau and medial femoral condyle in 25% and 22% of patients respectively. The frequency of lateral meniscus (p = 0.022), medial meniscus (p = 0.036) and MCL (p = 0.05) injuries, significantly increased in patients with bone contusions of medial and lateral compartments compared to those with bone contusions on lateral only compartment or without bone contusions.Conclusion:Bone contusion on the medial compartment is a predictive factor for more associated injuries, seen after ACL rupture and it suggest a higher energy trauma.

This article describes the evaluation and treatment of patients with isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries or MCL injuries combined with other knee ligament injuries. Injuries to the MCL are common in the active, athletic patient population. It is now a standard practice to treat MCL injuries nonoperatively. In the case of a combined anterior cruciate ligament-medial collateral ligament injury, the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should be delayed until the acute inflammation subsides, motion is restored, quadriceps muscle control is regained, and the MCL is healed. Patients with MCL injuries who are appropriately rehabilitated achieve good functional outcomes without residual medial instability.

Physiotherapist-led Programmes and Interventions for Rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Medial Collateral Ligament and Meniscal Injuries of the Knee in Adults

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of the Anterolateral Ligament in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in an Adolescent Population

Background:There is a need for an increased understanding of the way a concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may influence outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.Hypothesis:Patients with a concomitant MCL injury would have inferior clinical outcomes compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction without an MCL injury.Study Design:Matched registry-based cohort study; case-control.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:Data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry and a local rehabilitation outcome registry were utilized. Patients who had undergone a primary ACL reconstruction with a concomitant nonsurgically treated MCL injury (ACL + MCL group) were matched with patients who had undergone an ACL reconstruction without an MCL injury (ACL group), in a 1:3 ratio. The primary outcome was return to knee-strenuous sport, defined as a Tegner activity scale ≥6, at the 1-year follow-up. In addition, return to preinjury level of sport, muscle function tests, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared between the groups.Results:The ACL + MCL group comprised 30 patients, matched with 90 patients in the ACL group. At the 1-year follow-up, 14 patients (46.7%) in the ACL + MCL group had return to sport (RTS) compared with 44 patients (48.9%) in the ACL group (P = 0.37). A significantly lower proportion of patients in the ACL + MCL group had returned to their preinjury level of sport compared with the ACL group (10.0% compared with 25.6%, adjusted P = 0.01). No differences were found between the groups across a battery of strength and hop tests or in any of the assessed PROs. The ACL + MCL group reported a mean 1-year ACL-RSI after injury of 59.4 (SD 21.6), whereas the ACL group reported 57.9 (SD 19.4), P = 0.60.Conclusion:Patients with a concomitant nonsurgically treated MCL injury did not return to their preinjury level of sport to the same extent as patients without an MCL injury 1 year after ACL reconstruction. However, there was no difference between the groups in terms of return to knee strenuous activity, muscle function, or PROs.Clinical Relevance:Patients with a concomitant nonsurgically treated MCL injury may reach outcomes similar to those of patients without an MCL injury 1 year after an ACL reconstruction. However, few patients return to their preinjury level of sport at 1 year.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients is becoming increasingly common. There is growing yet limited literature on the risk factors for revision in this demographic.Purpose:To (1) determine the rate of pediatric revision ACLR in a nationally representative sample, (2) ascertain the associated patient- and injury-specific risk factors for revision ACLR, and (3) examine the differences in the rate and risks of revision ACLR between pediatric and adult patients.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The PearlDiver patient record database was used to identify adult patients (age ≥20 years) and pediatric patients (age <20 years) who underwent primary ACLR between 2010 and 2015. At 5 years postoperatively, the risk of revision ACLR was compared between the adult and pediatric groups. ACLR to the contralateral side was also compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the significant risk factors for revision ACLR and the overall reoperation rates in pediatric and adult patients; from these risk factors, an algorithm was developed to predict the risk of revision ACLR in pediatric patients.Results:Included were 2055 pediatric patients, 1778 adult patients aged 20 to 29 years, and 1646 adult patients aged 30 to 39 years who underwent ACLR. At 5 years postoperatively, pediatric patients faced a higher risk of revision surgery when compared with adults (18.0 % vs 9.2% [adults 20-29 years] and 7.1% [adults 30-39 years]; P < .0001), with significantly decreased survivorship of the index ACLR (P < .0001; log-rank test). Pediatric patients were also at higher risk of undergoing contralateral ACLR as compared with adults (5.8% vs 1.6% [adults 20-29 years] and 1.9% [adults 30-39 years]; P < .0001). Among the pediatric cohort, boys (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.96; P = .0204) and patients >14 years old (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45-0.86; P = .0035) had a decreased risk of overall reoperation; patients undergoing concurrent meniscal repair (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.43-2.38; P < .0001) or meniscectomy (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.72-2.82; P < .0001) had an increased risk of revision surgery. According to the risk algorithm, the highest probability for revision ACLR was in girls <15 years old with concomitant meniscal and medial collateral ligament injury (36% risk of revision).Conclusion:As compared with adults, pediatric patients had an increased likelihood of revision ACLR, contralateral ACLR, and meniscal reoperation within 5 years of an index ACLR. Families of pediatric patients—especially female patients, younger patients, and those with concomitant medial collateral ligament and meniscal injuries—should be counseled on such risks.

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury is the most commonly encountered ligament injury following knee trauma. The MCL and posterior oblique ligament (POL) are the primary stabilizers against valgus stress in the knee. Most isolated MCL injuries are treated with a brace and early mobilization. However, in cases where complex injuries accompany the MCL injury, such as femoral avulsion fractures, open injuries, MCL injury with meniscus tear and joint dislocation, and distal MCL ruptures involving the pes anserinus tendon insertion area, surgical treatment is necessary. Additionally, cases involving posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears and combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL and PCL) tears require surgical intervention. In cases where MCL injury occurs alongside anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, conservative treatment is initially recommended, with potential ACL repair in the later stages. Recurrent medial instability after conservative treatment can lead to secondary ACL injury, muscle weakness, and osteoarthritis.