Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Badera Al Mohammad,1 Monther A Gharaibeh2 1Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 2Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13133, JordanCorrespondence: Badera Al Mohammad, Radiology Technology, Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan, Email [email protected]: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is considered the most commonly injured ligament of the knee. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable imaging tool and modality of choice for assessing and managing knee conditions. This article outlines an effective MRI imaging technique that improves the diagnostic accuracy of ACL injuries of the knee, covering the appropriate pulse sequences and optimal imaging planes. Furthermore, the article provides a comprehensive review of the appearance of complete and partial ACL tears on MRI in the acute and chronic phases. In addition, it identifies and illustrates the primary MRI signs (signs related to the absence or abnormal visualization of the ACL fibers) and secondary MRI signs (signs related to the mechanism of injury or associated knee injuries) of ACL injury.Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament, magnetic resonance imaging, partial ACL tear, complete ACL tear