Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging findings with the chronicity of an anterior cruciate ligament tear.
BACKGROUND
Although several findings on magnetic resonance imaging have been demonstrated after anterior cruciate ligament injury, sequential changes on magnetic resonance imaging have not been comprehensively studied. We undertook to correlate four specific findings on magnetic resonance imaging of an anterior cruciate ligament injury over time.


METHODS
One hundred and forty-five patients with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament confirmed by arthroscopy were divided, according to the time from the injury to the acquisition of the magnetic resonance image, into four groups: acute (within six weeks), subacute (more than six weeks to three months), intermediate (more than three months to one year), and chronic (more than one year). Four findings (anterior cruciate ligament morphology, joint effusion, posterior cruciate ligament angle, and bone bruise) were evaluated for each study group.


RESULTS
Strong correlations were found between the magnetic resonance imaging findings and the chronicity of the anterior cruciate ligament tear. Anterior cruciate morphology showed sequential changes with time (p < 0.001). Joint effusion decreased with time, with a significant difference occurring between the acute and subacute groups at six weeks (p < 0.001). The posterior cruciate ligament angle decreased gradually over time (p < 0.001). Finally, the signal contrast of bone-bruising decreased with time, with a significant change occurring after three months (p = 0.049).


CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirmed that these four magnetic resonance imaging variables are closely correlated with the chronicity of an anterior cruciate ligament tear, and estimation of the chronicity of the tear can be facilitated by an integrative interpretation of these findings.
Yoon
Jong Pil
JP
Joint Reconstruction Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Gyunggido 463-707, South Korea.
Chang
Chong Bum
CB
Yoo
Jae Ho
JH
Kim
Sung Ju
SJ
Choi
Ja Young
JY
Choi
Jung-Ah
JA
Seong
Sang Cheol
SC
Kim
Tae Kyun
TK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult