IMAGING EVALUATION OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES IN ATHLETES: INTERSECTION BETWEEN RADIOLOGY AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most frequent and debilitating conditions affecting athletes, often leading to significant morbidity and long-term joint dysfunction. The complexity of ACL pathology, especially in the athletic population, demands precise diagnostic tools to ensure appropriate therapeutic planning. Radiological imaging has emerged as a critical component in the multidisciplinary approach to ACL evaluation and management. Objective: This review aims to explore the role of imaging techniques in the diagnosis, grading, and post-treatment monitoring of ACL injuries in athletes, emphasizing the integration between radiology and sports medicine. Methods: A narrative review methodology was employed to synthesize current literature indexed in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published in the last five years were prioritized, focusing on imaging modalities including MRI, ultrasound, CT, and emerging technologies relevant to ACL assessment. Results and Discussion: The review highlights the utility of MRI as the gold standard for ACL evaluation, the adjunctive role of ultrasound in dynamic assessment, and the challenges in differentiating partial versus complete tears. Radiological findings are contextualized within clinical decision-making, rehabilitation, and return-to-sport strategies. Conclusion: Imaging techniques are indispensable in the comprehensive evaluation of ACL injuries in athletes. The integration of radiological findings with clinical and biomechanical assessments allows for individualized and optimized treatment planning, ultimately improving outcomes in the sports population.