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Anterior cruciate ligament tear

Case contributed by Varun Babu
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Knee pain

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

Menisci
Medial meniscus: grade 2 degenerate posterior horn medial meniscus with high signal extending to superior articular surface.
Lateral meniscus: intact

Ligaments
Cruciate ligaments: 50% partial thickness ACL tear at tibial attachment. Normal PCL.
Medial collateral ligament: superficial and deep components intact. No periligamentous edema.
Lateral collateral ligament: intact
Posterolateral corner structures: intact

Extensor mechanism
The distal quadriceps and patellar tendons are intact. The patella is normally positioned within the femoral groove. There is no retinacular disruption.

Fluid
No joint effusion. No Baker’s cyst.

Osseous and articular structures
Bones: no fractures, stress reaction or osseous lesion is seen.
Patellofemoral compartment: no hyaline cartilage disease.
Medial compartment: no hyaline cartilage disease.
Lateral compartment: no hyaline cartilage disease.

Conclusion

  • Chronic injury with grade 2 degeneration periphery of posterior horn medial meniscus.

  • 50% partial thickness ACL disruption close to tibial insertion.

  • No osseous or cartilaginous abnormality.

 

Case Discussion

A good example of partial thickness anterior cruciate ligament tear wherein fluid signal intensity is seen replacing the normal fibers. 

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