Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Evaluation of Acute Posterolateral Complex Injuries of the Knee

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) can assist in deci- sion-making in the treatment of acute posterolateral complex injuries. We reviewed retrospectively seven patients with acute posterolateral complex injury, among the 79 cases that had taken cruciate ligament recon- struction. MRI findings were then correlated with the results of examination under anesthesia or operi lateral reconstruction. Based on surgical and clinical findings, there were six complete and four partial posterolateral complex injuries. MRI was able to accurately describe the extent of injury in each case. All ten patients had concomitant anterior cruciate ligament tears, and seven were three posterior cruciate ligament injuries. The iliotibial band was avulsed from Gerdys tubercle in seven patients. In knees with complete tears, separation of the coronary ligament of the lateral meniscus was noted on MRI. A characteristic bone contusion on the anteromedial femoral condyle was present in nine patients. Popliteal tendon tearing was observed in eight cases, and biceps femoris was torn in six patients. In knee with complete tears, tears of the lateral collateral ligament complex was noted both on MRI and intraoperatively. A high-quality MRI in patients sustaining these injuries will assist the surgeon in directly applying surgical techniques in a timely fashion.