Postoperative Evaluation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Measurements and Abnormalities on Radiographic and CT Imaging

Korean J Radiol. 2016 Nov-Dec;17(6):919-930. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2016.17.6.919. Epub 2016 Oct 31.

Abstract

Reconstruction of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a well-established procedure for repair of ACL injury. Despite improvement of surgical and rehabilitation techniques over the past decades, up to 25% of patients still fail to regain satisfactory function after an ACL reconstruction. With development of CT imaging techniques for reducing metal artifacts, multi-planar reconstruction, and three-dimensional reconstruction, early post-operative imaging is increasingly being used to provide immediate feedback to surgeons regarding tunnel positioning, fixation, and device placement. Early post-operative radiography and CT imaging are easy to perform and serve as the baseline examinations for future reference.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; CT; Knee; Postoperative; Radiograph; Reconstruction.

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / diagnostic imaging*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / surgery*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / methods*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Care
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed