Evaluation Of Ligamentous Tears Of The Knee Joint And Correlation Between Meniscal And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: The knee joint is highly susceptible to injuries, particularly from sports and trauma, making Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) a valuable tool for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders due to its excellent soft tissue contrast and multiplanar capabilities. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured and reconstructed ligament in the knee, often sustaining damage alongside other structures such as meniscal and collateral ligaments. MRI effectively identifies these associated injuries, although diagnosing meniscal tears can be particularly difficult when the ACL is also injured, complicating accurate assessment and treatment planning. Objective: To evaluate ligamentous and meniscal tears of the knee joint using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and to determine the association of meniscal tears and anterior cruciate ligament tears. Materials and Methods: This study was done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences as per the eligibility criteria. The study was done from June 2023 to May 2024. All patients, irrespective of age and gender, with imaging features of ligament and/or meniscal injuries who provided informed consent were included. Results: Most of the patients belonged to the age group 21 to 30 years. Among patients studied, 65% suffered from an ACL tear, making it the most common, followed by a medial meniscal tear in 32.5%. A PCL tear was observed in 25% of cases, while a lateral meniscal tear occurred in 20%. Both medial and lateral meniscal tears were present together in 5% of cases. Additionally, medial collateral ligament tears were found in 12.5%, and lateral collateral ligament tears were observed in 7.5% of patients. The association between ACL and Meniscal tears is considered to be statistically significant as a greater number of patients ACL tear had meniscal tears. Conclusion: ACL tears are commonly associated with meniscal tears especially medial meniscus. Tears of the menisci should be carefully looked for in the presence of ACL tear, since they are commonly associated with ACL tear and also MRI sensitivity in detection of meniscal injuries reduces in the presence of ACL tear.