THE ROLE OF SONOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF TRAUMATIC RUPTURE OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT OF THE KNEE

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness and value of sonography in the diagnosis ofa rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament resulting from a recent knee injury, which was indicated by a physical examination suggesting ofa traumatic anterior cruciate ligament injury.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Sonography was prospectively performed in 16 patients with a recent traumatic knee injury,in which a physical examination by an orthopaedist suggested a traumatic rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The presence ofa hypoechoic collection along the lateral wall of the femoral intercondylar notch was interpreted as a hematoma together with a ligament stump at the femoral attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament. The operative findings were compared in 12 cases. Arthroscopy was subsequently performed in 2 cases.

RESULTS: The positive sonographic findings were confirmed by operative findings in 12 of 16 patients and the negative sonographic findings were confirmed by arthroscopy in 2 of 16 patients. In the remaining 2 of the 16 cases,there was a loss of follow up.

CONCLUSION: Sonography is a useful,available and inexpensive method of detecting the presence ofa rupture of the antericr cruciate ligament, particularly in the hospitals which do not have MRI.