Imaging of the postoperative knee

Abstract

On sagittal images after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions, the femoral tunnel aperture should be at the junction of the line drawn along the posterior femoral cortex and the line drawn along the roof of the intercondylar notch (Bluemensaat line). The tibial tunnel aperture should be in the anterior portion of the second third, i.e. anterior aspect of the middle of the tibial epiphysis. An inaccurate placement of the femoral tunnel affects the graft isometry. A tibial tunnel too anteriorly placed results in intercondylar notch roof impingement. After meniscus surgery, first-line MRI is often sufficient to diagnose new tears; however, sometimes it is necessary to perform CT arthrography or MR arthrography. Surgical cartilage repair is evaluated based on articular congruity and on the appearance of the subchondral bone.

Keywords: Knee; Ligament; MRI; Meniscus; Postoperative.