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J Knee Surg 2021; 34(05): 493-498
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722629
Special Focus Section

Imaging Review of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Cristi Reeves Cook
1   Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, American College of Veterinary Radiology, Columbia, Missouri
,
Robert D. Wissman
2   Department of Radiology, Musculoskeletal Imaging, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Abstract

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries can often be missed on physical examination, especially in multiligament knee injuries. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to imaging the PCL should be implemented whenever history and examination findings indicate relative risk. Radiography, including a posterior-stress view, and magnetic resonance imaging, when available, provide consistently accurate diagnosis of PCL pathology and common knee comorbidities. Computed tomography and ultrasonography can be useful modalities with potential advantages with respect to availability and access, specific comorbidities, and/or cost-effectiveness.

Keywords

radiology - magnetic resonance imaging - computed tomography - ultrasonography - posterior cruciate ligament


Publication History

Received: 13 November 2020

Accepted: 29 November 2020

Article published online:
22 February 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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