Preoperative and Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cruciate Ligaments

Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Overview and Practical Step-by-step Guide

“…Also, granulomatous reactions related to bioabsorbable anchors can contribute to widening of the tunnels. 11 Tunnel widening seems more common in HT autograft reconstructions. 34 Tunnel widening may lead to reduced graft fixation and clinical instability of the knee.…”

“…Malpositioned hardware or the displacement of fractured hardware fragments can result in mechanical impingement. 11 The prominence of hardware within subcutaneous soft tissue may become symptomatic, requiring the removal of fixation devices. When using biomaterial, a severe foreign body reaction may cause an intraosseous granuloma to form around the fixation device that eventually may weaken the surrounding bone (►Fig.…”

“…The normal postoperative ACL graft undergoes a healing process that can be divided into four stages: necrosis, revascularization, remodeling, and ligamentization. 8 11 12 Every stage should demonstrate a specific MRI appearances, depending on the graft type and time after implantation 13 ( Fig. 1 ).…”

“…Other signs of a partial graft tear are partial discontinuity of the graft and focal thickening of the graft. 11 Moreover, a wavy or lax graft orientation are specific signs of partial-thickness graft tears but have low sensitivity. 1 Absence of graft discontinuity or caliber change has a high negative predictive value for (partial) graft tear.…”

“…Also, granulomatous reactions related to bioabsorbable anchors can contribute to widening of the tunnels. 11 Tunnel widening seems more common in HT autograft reconstructions. 34…”