Sonography of the anterior cruciate ligament revisited.

This article shows that ultrasound can be used to assess the anterior cruciate ligament as an early, practical imaging option. It is clinically useful because it is fast, accessible, lower cost than MRI, and allows dynamic evaluation. The key message is that correct probe position and good knowledge of anatomy are essential to identify the ACL properly and avoid mistaking nearby Hoffa’s fat pad tissue or the infrapatellar plica for the ligament.

Interesting highlights:

• Ultrasound may be a useful first-line screening tool for ACL problems.

• A major pitfall is false identification of adjacent soft tissue as the ACL.

• Only part of the ACL is usually visible, and the exam requires strong knee flexion.

Who is this article most useful for?
MSK ultrasound clinicians, sports medicine doctors, rehabilitation physicians, and radiologists evaluating knee injuries.