Side effects | MRT for a cruciate ligament rupture

Side effects

Since the MRI images are based on the application of a magnetic field, the patient is not exposed to any radiation. The examination therefore has almost no side effects. Only the administration of contrast media can lead to allergic reactions. Patients with impaired kidney function should inform their doctor, as they should avoid using a contrast medium.

Detection of a cruciate ligament rupture in the MRT

Detecting a cruciate ligament rupture has become much easier with the advent of magnetic resonance imaging. In contrast to X-rays, which can only detect ruptures of the cruciate ligament where bone has been chipped off, MRI images provide much more precise images. Complete cruciate ligament ruptures often occur with almost no symptoms.

This makes the diagnosis more difficult. In addition, not all ruptures have completely severed the cruciate ligaments, so that they appear intact on the outside. This is also difficult to detect.

Since many planes are shown as sectional images during an MRI examination, this makes it easier to identify a cruciate ligament tear, but a partial tear is still very difficult to detect. As a result, false negative findings are often recorded. A close look and an additional functional check of the knee joint are necessary here.

An MRI also offers the advantage that possible meniscus injuries, which occur as an accompanying injury to the cruciate ligament rupture, can be detected. An MRI for cruciate ligament diagnostics is performed if there is a suspicion of a cruciate ligament injury. Then functional tests are first performed (for example, the “drawer test”, in which the lower leg is pulled forward against the upper leg). Even if these do not produce any noticeable findings, a torn cruciate ligament may be present, which should be clarified by an MRI examination.On MRI images, intact cruciate ligaments appear as a dark, thick, band-like structure (T2 sequence). If a cruciate ligament rupture is present, it can be recognized by a fanning out of the ligament or by an interruption of continuity.