An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect your thigh bone to your shinbone. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports activities that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping, and landing.
Depending on the severity of pain in your leg, your doctor may recommend an MRI to determine the extent of the injury and its treatment. It creates images of the tissues that enable physicians to look for injuries other than soft tissue structures in the knee.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the center of the knee that prevents the shin bone from moving forward on the thigh bone. An ACL tear may be partial, complete, or avulsion when the ligament separates from the upper or lower leg bone. It usually occurs from twisting of the leg while applying full downward pressure while running, landing, or overextending the joint in either direction.
Athletes participating in high-demand sports like soccer, football, and basketball are more likely to injure their ACL. However, ACL tears can also result from accidents or other activities. About half of all injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occur along with damage to other structures in the knee, such as articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic exam that uses a combination of a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. It is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, in case it is over-stretched or torn, causing pain and other symptoms.
An MRI is highly accurate for diagnosing ACL injuries and is consistent with arthroscopic diagnosis. It creates clear, detailed images of soft and hard tissues that help your physician look for injuries to other structures of the knee, and rule out arthritis and other conditions.
An MRI can clarify the question of ACL tear if your physical examination and medical history are inconclusive and your physician wants to assess the amount of motion present in your knee and determine an ACL tear.
An MRI is a primary tool for diagnosing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. It allows your doctor to:
With the help of an MRI, your physician can also detect tendon damage, sprains, or fluid buildup and make decisions regarding the best treatment for you.
Signs and symptoms of an ACL injury usually include:
An MRI can show the extent of an ACL injury and signs of damage to other tissues in the knee, including the cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
ACL tear MRI does not require preparation, but it is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor to obtain clear, detailed images.
Inform your doctor if you have any metal-containing objects or implanted medical devices in your body from a previous surgery or procedure, including:
Because of the strong magnetic field, these devices may interfere with the scanning process, malfunction, or get damaged. Provide complete details about your device’s make and model. Your doctor can check if you can have an MRI, or your test may have to be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled due to lack of information.
The MRI procedure is painless, but lying still for the length of the procedure may not be so comfortable for you, especially if you have suffered a knee injury or have been through surgery. Tell your technologist, and they will complete the process as quickly as possible.
Keeping in mind your knee condition and the injury or pain you have, move slowly and carefully when getting off the table to prevent lightheadedness or dizziness from lying down for some time.
If you took an anti-anxiety medication for claustrophobia, you will be monitored till its effects wear off before you can leave. Sometimes, the use of contrast dye can result in a reaction. The radiology staff will make sure there are no reactions or side effects to the contrast.
You can return to your routine diet, activities, and medication if your doctor has not advised otherwise. Your doctor may provide additional instructions depending on your pain or condition. If you notice any redness, rashes, or swelling at the IV site after you go home, call your doctor.
A radiologist will analyze the images from your scan, interpret them, and create a formal report. This report is forwarded to your referring physician who will share these test results with you. You can also access the report online or have the images copied onto a CD for your record.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss significant findings and plan the next step in your care to get back on your feet. An MRI examination offers accurate results regarding ACL injuries and provides reliable guidance for effective and lasting relief from knee pain.
An MRI can provide pivotal information about the torn ACL and aid in planning the most appropriate treatment. Of all the major ligaments of the knee, the ACL is the most commonly injured and leads to instability that may limit even ordinary daily activities if you are not careful. Knowing how to prepare for an ACL tear MRI can help you go through it smoothly and work with your technologist to achieve the required images.
Do you have intense pain or swelling in your knee, and your doctor has ordered an MRI to check for a torn ACL – Call our MRI center in Manhattan now and schedule a scan today for an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Our specialists address all your concerns and offer top-quality MRI services in NYC that ensure quick and long-term healing so you can return to your sports-related activities and normal routines within no time.
