Computed arthrotomographic evaluation of chronic lesions of the cruciate ligaments

The high incidence of cruciate ligament injuries as a result of acute knee trauma with hemarthrosis and abuse of diagnostic arthroscopies call for a suitable radiological imaging of the central pivot. Computed Arthrotomography (CAT) was used to examine the knee joint in 20 cases of clinically suspec...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRadiologia medica Vol. 75; no. 5; p. 486
Main Authors Pricca, P, Cecchini, A, Vecchioni, G, Mariani, P M, Tansini, A, Ferrario, A
Format Journal Article
LanguageItalian
Published Italy 01.05.1988
Subjects
Accidents, Traffic
Adolescent
Adult
Arthroscopy
Athletic Injuries - diagnostic imaging
Female
Humans
Knee Injuries - diagnosis
Knee Injuries - diagnostic imaging
Knee Injuries - etiology
Ligaments, Articular - diagnostic imaging
Ligaments, Articular - injuries
Male
Middle Aged
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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Summary:The high incidence of cruciate ligament injuries as a result of acute knee trauma with hemarthrosis and abuse of diagnostic arthroscopies call for a suitable radiological imaging of the central pivot. Computed Arthrotomography (CAT) was used to examine the knee joint in 20 cases of clinically suspected chronic cruciate ligament injury. The images were correlated with arthroscopic and/or arthrotomic findings. Thirteen lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (65%) were found, plus 1 lesion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) (5%), 2 associated lesions of ACL + PCL (10%), and 4 normal cases. Confirmation of pathology was available in all cases but one by arthroscopy and/or surgery. The central pivot diseases were classified as follows: absence, detachment, partial or complete tear. CAT findings of cruciate ligament injuries are emphasized and the role of the technique as compared to arthroscopy is discussed. CAT is useful in 3-D evaluation of central pivot and detection of different cruciate ligament injuries, with high sensitivity-specificity for ACL and high specificity-moderate sensitivity for PCL. In the evaluation of the chronic unstable knee, CAT is highly accurate and gives the surgeon useful information towards the planning of therapeutic procedures. CAT is almost non-invasive, well tolerated and easy to perform in out-patients, which make it a first-choice procedure in the screening of chronic ligament injuries.
ISSN:0033-8362