Importance of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Patients with a clinically suspected tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are generally diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is accepted that MR is the most effective radiological modality for diagnosing ACL injuries. Formerly, the essential aim of MRI was to detect whether the ACL tear was partial or total. Recently, however, there has been an increasing interest in the region of rupture. In addition, it is highly important to focus on the tissue quality of the remaining ligament. These findings will help the orthopedic surgeon to choose the right surgical treatment technique. In this review, the classical MRI findings of the ACL injuries, as well as the location of the injured region and the quality of the remaining tissue, are addressed.