ReviewMusculoskeletal imagingImaging ACL reconstructions and their complications

Examination of ligament reconstructions, particularly of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are common situations in everyday knee imaging practice. Knowledge of normal appearances, the expected changes over time and the potential complications of these plasties are essential. MRI is the imaging method of choice. This article illustrates the main complications specific to this procedure: suboptimal positioning of the femoral or tibial tunnels, impingement between the graft and bony contours, rupture (partial or complete) of the plasty due to friction or injury, arthrofibrosis and particularly the “Cyclops” syndrome, fragmentation or migration of the fixation materials and a granulomatous reaction to biomaterials.