Radiologic evaluation of ACL tear and ACL reconstruction

Abstract

Imaging plays an important role in the diagnostic workup of suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and in the postoperative evaluation of ACL reconstruction. In this chapter we describe the normal imaging appearance of the ACL, as well as findings seen in the setting of complete tear, partial tear, and tibial eminence fracture, with an additional emphasis on partial tear findings as they are less commonly discussed in the literature. We then describe the normal postoperative imaging appearance of a range of ACL reconstruction techniques used in skeletally immature patients and conclude with a discussion of the imaging of postoperative complications.