Avulsion fractures and chronic avulsion injuries of the knee: role of MR imaging

Abstract

Avulsion fractures and chronic avulsion injuries of the knee are common lesions in sports-related trauma, especially among adolescents. Magnetic resonance imaging may prove useful in detecting and characterizing such lesions, and has several advantages with regard to other imaging modalities. We review, illustrate, and discuss the MR imaging features of some of the more frequent avulsion fractures and chronic avulsion injuries of the knee, including avulsion fractures of the cruciate ligaments, avulsion fractures of lateral and medial stabilizers, avulsion fractures and chronic avulsion injuries of the extensor mechanism, and avulsive cortical irregularities of the distal femur. The role of MR imaging in evaluating such lesions is emphasized.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Musculoskeletal Trauma

“…26,27 Radiography and MR imaging are suited for the evaluation of avulsion injuries. In avulsion injuries, there are advantages for using MR imaging.…”

“…In avulsion injuries, there are advantages for using MR imaging. 27 Many of these lesions may have a confusing or subtle appearance on plain radiography, especially when displacement is minimal. 27 In such instances, the multiplanar capabilities of MR imaging may prove useful in revealing the location and nature of the lesion.…”

“…27 Many of these lesions may have a confusing or subtle appearance on plain radiography, especially when displacement is minimal. 27 In such instances, the multiplanar capabilities of MR imaging may prove useful in revealing the location and nature of the lesion. Second, MR imaging may assist in explaining the mechanism of injury and in detecting associated soft tissue abnormalities in both acute and chronic injuries, thus allowing for a more through evaluation of the patients.…”

Pullout reattachment of tibial avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament: a firm, effective suture-tying method using a tensioner

“…They are more common in children than in adults [4][5][6]. A tibial avulsion fracture of the ACL is commonly reattached when it is displaced completely in a Meyer and McKeever type III or IV fracture [4,5,8].…”

The Knee: MR Imaging of Uniquely Pediatric Disorders

“…33,34 Osteochondritis Dissecans Osteochondritis dissecans is thought to be an osteochondral fracture secondary to avascular necrosis of an area of the subchondral bone and cartilage. The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans remains controversial, but repetitive trauma, ischemia, and familial tendency are common predisposing factors.…”