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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2016; 20(01): 033-042
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1579678
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Imaging of the Postoperative Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Emphasis on New Surgical and Imaging Methods

Pieter Van Dyck
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
,
Valérie Lambrecht
2   Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Eline De Smet
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
,
Anagha P. Parkar
3   Department of Radiology, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
4   Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
,
Christiaan H. W. Heusdens
5   Department of Orthopaedics, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
,
Martijn F. Boomsma
6   Department of Radiology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands
,
Filip M. Vanhoenacker
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
2   Department of Radiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
7   Department of Radiology, AZ Sint-Maarten, Duffel, Belgium
,
Jan L. Gielen
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
,
Paul M. Parizel
1   Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 April 2016 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is to restore normal function of the knee, but unfortunately abnormal kinematics and a predisposition to knee osteoarthritis occur in a significant percentage of patients. So there is an ongoing need to improve treatment options and long-term outcome of patients with a ruptured ACL. With the recent advancements in the field of ACL tissue engineering, the focus of treatment for ACL injuries is changing from resection and reconstruction toward repair and regeneration. Several new ACL repair methods were recently introduced as an alternative to traditional ACL reconstructive procedures. Radiologists must become familiar with these new surgical methods to interpret their appearance correctly on postoperative imaging studies. This article provides an overview of the latest advancements in ACL surgical methods and discusses the role of imaging to assess the postoperative ACL including both standard and advanced imaging methods.

Keywords

anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction - ACL repair - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - quantitative MRI
 

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