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Mri Of The Knee Ligament Tear

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MRI of the knee -Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Introduction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important structure in maintaining the normal biomechanics of the knee and is the most commonly injured knee ligament. ACL tears may be partial or complete. A partial tear can involve both or only a single bundle to varying degree, can range from a minor tear involving just a few fibers to a high grade near-complete tear involving almost all of the ACL fibers.
Anatomy and physiology
The ACL originates from the medial and anterior aspect of the tibial plateau and runs superiorly, laterally, and posteriorly toward its insertion on the lateral femoral condyle. Together with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the ACL guides the instantaneous center of rotation of the knee, therefore controlling joint kinematics. To a lesser degree, the ACL checks extension and hyperextension. The ACL is not as strong as the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and it is less strong at its femoral origin than at its tibial insertion. Muscles surrounding the knee joint contribute to knee stabilization during lower extremity movements.
Mechanism of injury
Mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are numerous.These injuries plague both athletes and non athletes. ACL injury is most prevalent (1 in 1,750 persons) in patients 15-45 years of age. It is more common in this age group in part because of their more active lifestyle as well as higher participation in sports.

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