MRI Technologistover 8 years ago

The anterior cruciate ligament ("ACL") is an important, internal, stabilizer of the knee joint, restraining hyperextension. It is injured when its biomechanical limits are exceeded (over stretched), often with a hyperextension mechanism. Though clinical examination in experienced hands can be accurate, the diagnosis is usually confirmed by MRI, which has greatly lessened the need for diagnostic arthroscopy and which has a higher accuracy than clinical examination. It may also permit visualization of other structures which may have been coincidentally involved, such as a meniscus, or collateral ligament, or posterolateral corner of the knee joint.