[Diagnostic value of anterior cruciate ligament-tibial medial plateau angle in anterior cruciate ligament tears].
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the diagnostic value of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-medial tibial plateau angle in ACL tears.


METHODS
Ten male patients (mean age 34.6+/-11.3 years; range 21 to 51 years) who were diagnosed with ACL rupture and operated on in our clinic between October 2007 and May 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients had preoperative 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy. Ten male controls (mean age 40.2+/-13.0 years; range 21 to 56 years) were chosen from among the other patients who had routine MRI and arthroscopy but whose ACL was healthy. Magnetic resonance images of the patients and controls were evaluated by two radiologists. The ACL-medial tibial plateau angle was measured for each patient and control subject.


RESULTS
The mean value of the ACL-medial tibial plateau angle for the torn ACL patients (59.5+/-1.3 degrees ) was significantly lower than the mean value of the control group (68.1+/-3.5 degrees ).


CONCLUSIONS
The ACL- medial tibial plateau angle measurement in both total and partial ACL tears decreases below the normal values and is helpful for diagnosis especially in clinically doubtful patients.
Karadağ
Demet
D
Department of Radiology, Ufuk University, Ankara, Turkey. drdkaradag@yahoo.com
Kaya
Alper
A
Uçar
Funda
F
D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D001182:Arthroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult