role of MR imaging in medial collateral ligament injuries

A total of 38 patients with multiple signs of medial collateral ligament [MCL] sprain was selected on the basis of clinical diagnosis and investigated with magnetic resonance [MR] to determine multiple signs of MCL injuries including the location and associated bone bruises and evaluate the accuracy of MR imaging in grading these patients. Then, these MR imaging signs were correlated with standards used to determined MCL injury at a clinical evaluation. The grade of MCL injury as determined by MR imaging criteria was compared with the clinical findings. All signs demonstrated with MR imaging were specific. The most sensitive signs were edema and loss of demarcation from adjacent fat. The MR imaging was accurate and sensitive for the diagnosis of MCL injuries