MRI laxity assessment

Abstract

Knee laxity, by definition, is a dynamic and multifactorial condition. MRI evaluation, due to its known capacity in achieving high soft tissue contrast (e.g., meniscus, synovia, ligaments, cartilage) and multiplanar joint assessment without ionizing radiation, has contributed to its popularity in the last decades. However, “traditional�? MRI studies provide static evaluation, thus requiring careful correlation to clinical findings, particularly when dealing with functional ligament stability. This work aims to describe the most important features of current MRI studies when dealing with anterior cruciate ligaments injuries, while also presenting the evolving possibilities of dynamic and objective MRI assessment of knee instability.