Abstract
Ligamentous structures of the knee are numerous and complex, including the anterior
and posterior cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, ligaments
of the posteromedial and posterolateral corners, and the anterolateral ligament. Clinical
assessment after a knee injury is paramount and can direct both the clinician's choice
of imaging study and the radiologist's interpretation. Imaging is crucial in that
it provides additional information for diagnosis, management, and surgical planning.
Multiple imaging modalities can be used in the evaluation of the knee injuries, with
radiographs an important baseline study, magnetic resonance imaging as the best tool
for a comprehensive assessment including cruciate ligament evaluation, and ultrasound
useful in evaluating superficial structures. Knowledge of both normal and pathological
appearances of ligamentous structures, as well as typical injury patterns, is useful
not only for radiologists but also for clinicians who manage patients with knee pain.
Keywords
cruciate ligaments - collateral ligaments - anterolateral ligament - magnetic resonance
imaging - ultrasound
