IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Kneeling stress knee x-rays - posterior cruciate ligament deficiency

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

History of posterior cruciate ligament injury.

Patient Data

Age: 20-30 years
Gender: Male

Increase of 6 mm in the posterior tibial translation between kneeling neutral and stress views. 

Anteromedial tibial EndoButton and tunnel from prior meniscus root repair surgery. Small marginal osteophyte at the medial femoral condyle. 

Case Discussion

This patient had a follow-up MRI (not shown), which demonstrated continuity of some of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) fibers, which is common post tear. The stress radiographs help confirm that the healed fibers are non-functional. More than 5 mm on single-leg kneeling stress radiographs is considered diagnostic for a PCL tear.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.