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Effect of joint position and ligament tension on the MR signal intensity of the cruciate ligaments of the knee
Author(s) -
Smith Kevin L.,
Daniels John L.,
Arnoczky Steven P.,
Dodds Julie A.,
Cooper Thomas G.,
Gottschalk Alexander,
Shaw Daniel A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.1880040613
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , ligament , anterior cruciate ligament , tension (geology) , signal (programming language) , intensity (physics) , knee joint , cruciate ligament , anatomy , magnetic resonance imaging , materials science , medicine , biomedical engineering , physics , surgery , radiology , optics , compression (physics) , composite material , computer science , programming language
Six cadaveric lower extremities were imaged with T1‐weighted spin‐echo pulse sequences with the knees extended and flexed to 90°. Magnetic resonance signal intensities of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were compared. Changing from extension to flexion resulted in decreased signal intensity in six of six ACLs and five of six PCLs. Two of the knees were then imaged with and without tension applied to the ACL. Both specimens showed a decrease in signal intensity with tension, followed by an increase in signal intensity with release of the tension. Finally, in three of the limbs the ACL was surgically reconstructed and then imaged with and without tension applied to the tension graft. Signal intensity decreased with tension and increased with release of the tension in all three specimens. Thus, joint position and changes in ligament tension affect the signal intensity of the ACL and PCL, generally resulting in a signal intensity decrease with tension.