Evaluation of the growth of reconstruction anterior cruciate ligament graft: preliminary study with low-field MRI

Objective: To evaluate the serial signal changes of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction grafts on low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: 48 patients with ACL reconstruction and Lysholm scores increasing from 54 preoperatively to 83.5 after surgery were included in this study. The SE T1WI, GE T2WI and STIR sequences were analyzed for MR signal changes of the grafts 4-22 months after surgery. Results: The grafts showed high signal intensity at 4-9 months after surgery and decreased signal intensities similar to normal ligaments at 12-22 months. Conclusion: The ACL reconstruction grafts show progressive decrease in signal intensity after surgery to normal ligament signal intensity one year after surgery. (authors)