Posterior cruciate ligament injury: MR imaging diagnosis and patterns of injury.

PURPOSE: To illustrate the variety of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries and assess the type and frequency of associated knee injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective review of 1,950 magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of the knee, 47 patients with MR imaging findings of PCL injury were identified. In 24 patients, the findings on MR images were correlated with athroscopic findings (n = 14) or findings at physical examination (n = 10). Patterns of associated injuries were described and tabulated.

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (45%) had complete PCL tears; 22 patients (47%), partial tears; and four patients (9%), bone avulsion. Associated injuries were seen in 34 patients (72%). Patterns of injuries differed from those seen in anterior cruciate ligament injury and correlated with the mechanism of trauma.

CONCLUSION: MR imaging proved accurate in assessment of the PCL in patients with clinical correlation and demonstrated patterns of associated injury that may affect management strategy.