J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Jul;33(1):113-117.

Complete Versus Partial-Thickness Tears of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament: Differential Features at MR Imaging

• Juhng SK
• Sohn KJ
• Kim HJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the differential features of complete and partial- thickness tears of the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) and to describe associated knee injuries at magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-four subjects were studied, including 15 with complete PCL tears and 9 with partial PCL tears. The PCL status was determined at arthroscopy in all cases. Knee MRI were perfomed at 1.0 Tesla using a dedicated knee surface coil. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed MR images and correlated MRI findings to results of arthroscopy.
RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference between complete tears and partial tears with regard to thickness, margination, and signal intensity of the PCL. However, complete tears were more likely to show focal areas of ligamentous discontinuity(13/15:3/9, p=0.0073). Associated knee injuries were seen in 22 (92%) patients and were seen more frequently in patients with complete PCL tears, which were bony injuries (n=16, 67%), tears of the medial collateral ligament(n=12, 50%) and menisci(n--11, 46%), and stage III joint effusion(n=17, 71%).
CONCLUSION
The most useful MRI criteria for distinguishing complete from partial PCL tear is focal area of ligamentous discontinuity, that is, complete tears are more likely to show focal areas of discontinuity, whereas partial tears are more likely to show at least some intact fibers.

MeSH Terms

Arthroscopy
Humans
Joints
Knee
Knee Injuries
Ligaments
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Posterior Cruciate Ligament*
Retrospective Studies