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. 2021 May 6:25:129-133.
doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2021.05.002. eCollection 2021 May-Jun.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting anterior cruciate ligament tear location and tear degree

Henry T Shu  1   2 , Nicholas R Wegener  3 , Katherine M Connors  4 , Daniel S Yang  5 , Stephen D Lockey  6 , Jennifer M Thomas  7 , Evan H Argintar  1
Affiliations

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting anterior cruciate ligament tear location and tear degree

Henry T Shu et al. J Orthop. .

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the location of ACL tears in preoperative planning for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair.

Methods: Thirty-four patients who underwent ACL repair were retrospectively analyzed to compare intraoperative arthroscopic findings with preoperative MRIs.

Results: For identifying type I tears, the sensitivity of MRI was 9.0% and the accuracy of MRI was 8.8%. There was moderate interrater agreement between MRI findings for tear location and tear degree.

Conclusion: MRI alone may not necessarily be accurate in identifying which ACL tears are amenable to repair.

Study design: Retrospective case series; Level of Evidence: IV.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament repair; Anterior cruciate ligament tear; Magnetic resonance imaging.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sagittal T-2 weighted magnetic resonance image of a left knee demonstrating a full thickness anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intraoperative image of the same patient as in Fig. 1 demonstrating a partial-thickness anterior cruciate ligament tear involving anteromedial bundle.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Further probing of the anterior cruciate ligament in Fig. 2 further demonstrates a robust ligament which made the patient a suitable candidate for repair.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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