Imagen por resonancia magnética de las complicaciones postquirúrgicas asociadas a la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the diagnostic method of choice for the evaluation of postsurgical complications of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. For a proper interpretation of MR imaging sequences, it is necessary to take into account such factors as: time elapsed since surgery, type of graft used (autograft, allograft or synthetic materials), and presence of metallic devices, among others. To obtain optimal images, it is advisable to use T1-weighted sequences, to utilize the same technical parameters in pre- post-contrast images, and to avoid gradient-echo sequences. We describe the imaging aspects of various complications associated with the reconstruction of this ligament, such as rupture of the graft (assessed by direct and indirect signs), impingement of the graft, postoperative infections, formation of ganglion within the bone tunnels, anterior arthrofbrosis, and donor-site complications.