MRI appearance of ACL rupture The most characteristic appearance of ACL rupture is absence or discontinuity of the fibers. Usually, a tear of the ACL is an all-or-none phenomenon where few identifiable fibers are left, or at best an irregular or wavy contour of the ligament remains. Although sagittal images can be used to diagnose …
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) attachment sites The cruciate ligaments arise from the intercondylar notch of the femur, insert on to the tibial plateau, and serve as major stabilizers of the knee joint. The ACL follows a course parallel to the roof of the intercondylar notch arising from the medial surface …
What is a discoid meniscus, and what is its significance? Discoid meniscus is a common variant with morphologic enlargement of the meniscus. Patients usually present with clicking or locking of the knee. As acquired sagittal images can be variable in thickness from scan to scan, this diagnosis can best be made on coronal images. On …
What is a parameniscal cyst, and what is its significance? A parameniscal cyst can form around the meniscus from extrusion of synovial fluid through a meniscal tear by one-way ball-valve mechanism. A cystic structure around or extending from the meniscus is a finding that is very closely associated with a meniscal tear, and so an …
Common types of meniscal tears • Horizontal or oblique tear is the most common type, frequently involving the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. This is a degenerative type tear rather than a traumatic type tear. • Longitudinal tear is a vertically oriented tear that extends parallel to the circumference of the meniscus and is almost always associated with traumatic injury. …
What are the criteria for diagnosing a meniscal tear on MRI? A meniscal tear can be diagnosed using either of these two major criteria: • Abnormal meniscal morphology • Increased signal intensity within the meniscal tissue which extends to the articular surface on at least two contiguous slices
Describe the clinical presentation of meniscal injury. What part of the meniscus is most commonly torn? The clinical presentation of a meniscal tear is typically pain and locking of the knee. The posterior horn of the medial meniscus is the primary weight-bearing surface and is most commonly torn. The anterior horn of the lateral meniscus …