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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffOften the diagnosis can be made on the basis of the physical exam alone, but you may need tests to rule out other causes and to determine the severity of the injury.
- X-rays. X-rays may be needed to rule out a bone fracture. However, X-rays can't visualize soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create images of both hard and soft tissues within your body. An MRI can show the extent of an ACL injury and whether other knee ligaments or joint cartilage also are injured.
- Ultrasound. Using sound waves to visualize internal structures, ultrasound may be used to check for injuries in the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the knee.
- Arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, your doctor inserts a narrow, fiber-optic viewing scope and other instruments into your knee through very small incisions. This allows your doctor to directly see the damage and, in many cases, perform repairs at the same time.
References
- Amy E, et al. Anterior cruciate ligament tear. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/220179329-3/1059395304/1678/58.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50057-2--cesec12_907. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
- Friedberg RP. Anterior cruciate ligament. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept 24, 2010.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. http://www.sportsmed.org/secure/reveal/admin/uploads/documents/ST%20ACL%20Injury%2008.pdf. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
- The injured ACL. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. http://www.sportsmed.org/secure/reveal/admin/uploads/documents/ST%20Injured%20ACL%2008.pdf. Accessed Sept. 24, 2010.
- Pallin DJ, et al. Knee and lower leg. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1060123978&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00054-2&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00054-2--s0415&uniqId=220363422-3. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 29, 2010.
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