IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Anterior cruciate ligament tear - complete

Case contributed by Karwan T. Khoshnaw
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Sports trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) shows swelling and abnormally increased signal intensity on fluid-sensitive sequences with total fiber discontinuity, abnormal contour and change in the expected course on sagittal images with a positive empty notch sign on coronal images. The findings are consistent with a complete ACL tear.

The posterior horn of the medial meniscus shows a small central T2 hyperintensity not extending to the articular surface, favoring grade I meniscal degeneration

Case Discussion

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the commonest knee ligament injury.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.