[Diagnostic value of anterior cruciate ligament-tibial medial plateau angle in anterior cruciate ligament tears].

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates the diagnostic value of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-medial tibial plateau angle in ACL tears.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten male patients (mean age 34.6+/-11.3 years; range 21 to 51 years) who were diagnosed with ACL rupture and operated on in our clinic between October 2007 and May 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients had preoperative 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy. Ten male controls (mean age 40.2+/-13.0 years; range 21 to 56 years) were chosen from among the other patients who had routine MRI and arthroscopy but whose ACL was healthy. Magnetic resonance images of the patients and controls were evaluated by two radiologists. The ACL-medial tibial plateau angle was measured for each patient and control subject.

RESULTS

The mean value of the ACL-medial tibial plateau angle for the torn ACL patients (59.5+/-1.3 degrees ) was significantly lower than the mean value of the control group (68.1+/-3.5 degrees ).

CONCLUSION

The ACL- medial tibial plateau angle measurement in both total and partial ACL tears decreases below the normal values and is helpful for diagnosis especially in clinically doubtful patients.