title: New sonographically-guided test for anterior knee instability - preliminary report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ultrasound examination is widely used in orthopedic diagnostics, however sonographic evaluation of traumatic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency is still inadequate. Aim of this study is to evaluate diagnostic capability of a new sonographically-guided test for diagnosing complete anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 47 patients, with suspicion of unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury (based on magnetic resonance imaging), the sonographically-guided test for anterior instability was performed. The translation of the intercondylar eminence against the patellar tendon was measured in both knees. Afterwards all patients underwent arthroscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 37 patients, with arthroscopically confirmed complete anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency, the mean anterior knee translation was 8.3 mm (SD = 2.8) in affected knee vs. 3 mm (SD = 1.1) in uninjured knee (p < 0.001). In 10 patients with no anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency the difference between body sides was not significant (2.6 mm, SD = 1.4 in injured knee vs. 2.5 mm, SD = 1.1 in uninjured joint; p < 0.7753).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed test supports the clinician with fast and non-invasive examination that can facilitate evaluation of anterior knee instability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Grzelak
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Podgórski
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Ludomir
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stefańczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Pediatric Orthopedics, Medical University of Łódź, Poland.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Domżalski
keywords: anterior cruciate ligament; knee; magnetic resonance imaging; ultrasonography