Abstract
The reconstruction of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a well established procedure for repair of ACL injury. Knowledge of normal appearances, the expected postoperative changes over time, and potential acute and chronic complications of this reconstruction procedure are essential. This study illustrates the role of MRI in evaluation of ACL reconstructions and their complications. MR imaging is the modality of choice for evaluation of ACL graft reconstruction. ACL graft complications such as abnormal tunnel positioning, partial and complete graft tears, arthrofibrosis, and tunnel cysts can be reliably assessed using MRI.
Highlights
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the important stabilizers of the knee that is commonly torn in sports injuries
Complications leading to decreased range of motion are an anteriorly placed tibial tunnel, arthrofibrosis, cystic degeneration of the ACL graft, and intraarticular loose bodies [Figure 4]
Arthrofibrosis following ACL reconstruction can present as a focal or diffuse process that limits the mobility of the knee
Summary
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the important stabilizers of the knee that is commonly torn in sports injuries. The increased number of ACL reconstruction surgeries being performed has led to an increased demand for the postoperative knee evaluation when symptoms persist or recur after these procedures. The possible causes of reconstruction failure and patient complications are graft discontinuity, inappropriate position of the femoral and/or tibial tunnel, hardware failure, infection, and arthrofibrosis [5]. The indications for evaluating ACL reconstructions with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) include [5]:
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