Analysis of MR Imaging of the Injured Posterior Cruciate Ligament

Abstract

We analyzed the healing of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 42-year-old man with PCL injury. He was treated nonoperatively and was able to return to his daily activities without complications. MRI scan was performed at the time of injury, and at 1 month, 2 months, 7 months and 14 months thereafter. The follow-up examinations revealed that the PCL fibers had changed gradually from high signal intensity to low signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI, and continuity of the ligament was evident at 14 months. However, we suspected that the healing process was not complete, because the posterior capsule still showed high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI. A check-up confirmed that the improvement of posterior stabilization was insufficient. It is suggested that additional examinations are necessary for further evaluation of the PCL substance and secondary restraint structures such as the joint capsule.