ULTRASOUND EVALUATION OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of Ultrasound in the assessment of Posterior cruciate ligament and to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of Ultrasound in diagnosing Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted over a period of 8 months and included 110 patients. An ultrasound of the knee was performed before the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and a diagnosis regarding PCL appearance was made on the ultrasound. After the ultrasound an MRI using standard protocol was performed and the ultrasound and MRI findings were compared. RESULTS: Sensitivity of ultrasound in recognizing PCL pathology was 90.90%. Specificity was 100%.Positive predictive value was 100%.Negative predictive value was 99%. Significant correlation was found between the ultrasound and MRI appearance of PCL pathology. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is sensitive in the detection of PCL injury, with an excellent positive predictive value and high sensitivity. Keywords : Ultrasound; Posterior cruciate ligament; Magnetic resonance imaging.