The ABCs of the anterior cruciate ligament: a primer for magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the normal, injured and surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament

Br J Sports Med. 2009 Oct;43(11):856-62. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.050492.

Abstract

This article reviews the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the native and reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). MRI is the most accurate non-invasive modality to evaluate the ACL. Tears of the ACL manifest with direct and indirect signs. The reconstructed ACL has several complications including re-tear and anterior arthrofibrosis, which are also accurately assessed using MRI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / anatomy & histology*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / pathology*
  • Joint Diseases / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Rupture / pathology
  • Rupture / surgery