Anterolateral Ligament Injuries in Partial Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the type of acute partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury.Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty-eight patients aged 18-40 years with a clinical pre-diagnosis of ACL injury who underwent 3T knee magnetic resonance image between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Acute ACL injury was defined as cases with a history of knee trauma within the last month. Demographic data, ALL visibility, classification of ALL components, presence and type of ACL and ALL injury, injury location, and accompanying lesions were recorded. Correlations between ACL/ALL injury characteristics and accompanying lesions were evaluated.Results: There was a significant correlation between ACL injury type and both the presence and type of ALL injury (p=0.002 and p=0.013, respectively). There was also a significant correlation between ALL injury and lateral meniscus tear (p=0.024). The diameter of the ALL was significantly increased in injured patients compared to non-injured patients (p=0.001).Conclusion: A high rate of ALL injury was observed in this series, which predominantly included partial ACL injury cases. Our results suggest that ALL injury should be considered in the management of partial ACL injuries to avoid potential complications.