Abstract
Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) recently regained attention
due to a better understanding of the two distinct bundles of the ligament and the
possibility of single-bundle reconstruction procedures. An accurate diagnosis is important
as it influences treatment options and patient prognosis. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the value of examination under anesthesia (EUA) and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) for differentiating partial from complete ACL tears. For this purpose,
this prospective case series included 95 consecutive patients undergoing primary ACL
reconstruction surgeries. MRI, EUA, and MRI combined with EUA were performed preoperatively,
and results were compared with arthroscopy. Our data showed that ACL lesions were
diagnosed as partial tears in 42.1% (n = 40) of EUA, 23.2% (n = 22) of MRI, and 11.6% (n = 11) of arthroscopies. EUA and MRI demonstrated sensitivity of 100 and 90.1%, and
specificity of 65.5 and 85.6%, respectively. Combined EUA and MRI demonstrated sensitivity
of 100% and specificity of 83.1%. Our study revealed that preoperatively MRI and EUA
may help surgeons early identify partial ACL tears and influence treatment decisions.
Keywords
anterior cruciate ligament - partial tears - diagnostic tool - examination under anesthesia
- magnetic resonance imaging
