Role Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Evaluation Of Post-Operative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Objectives : This study aimed to spotlight on the diagnostic value of MRI in the assessment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction graft and detection of its complications. Background : ACL is the most frequently reported injured knee ligament that requires surgical reconstruction. MRI is the modality of choice for evaluation of ACL graft reconstruction surgery and assessment of its complication. Patients and methods : This prospective study was conducted on 100 patients with postoperative knee reconstruction of the ACL. All patients were subjected to clinical history followed by MRI examination. MRI examination of the knee was performed in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Patients were positioned in the supine position with the knee placed in 10 e 15 (cid:1) of external rotation, and surface coil was applied. Different MRI sequences were obtained. Results : According to our results, of the studied patients, 66 (66%) cases showed an intact ACL graft. The commonest post-ACL reconstruction complication was osteoarthritis, being noticed in 21 (21%) cases of the studied patients. The second most common complication was complete graft tear, where it was observed in 15 (15%) cases. The least common complications were the graft laxity and iliotibial band syndrome; each was seen in one case, representing only 1% for each. Conclusion : We conclude that MRI is the gold standard method for evaluation of postoperative ACL reconstruction, as it plays an important role not only in the assessment of graft integrity but also in detection of the postoperative ACL reconstruction complications.