Proton spin and computerized tomography in ligament injuries of the knee joint]

In a prospective study we evaluated the use of cat-scan an MRI in 106 patients with chronic complaints and acute injuries of the knee joint. All patients went to surgery afterwards. A total of 30 patients suffered from acute or chronic ligament ruptures. There were 20 ACL ruptures, 2 PCL ruptures, 3 MCL ruptures, and 2 LCL ruptures. In patients with ACL ruptures the MRI had a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity value of 80%, and a negative predictive value of 95%; whereas cat-scan had a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 95%, an accuracy of 94%, a positive predictive value of 82%, and a negative predictive value of 98%. All complete ACL ruptures we correctly diagnosed. However, 4 partial ACL ruptures were missed by MRI and 2 partial ruptures were missed by cat-scan. All other ligament ruptures (PCL, MCL, LCL) except one MCL rupture were correctly diagnosed by MRI as well as by cat-scan. Clinical relevance: In this study cat-scan and MRI proved to have a very high negative predictive value. Having a negative result in one of these imaging techniques means that a rupture of a ligament is highly unlikely. This may have influence on the number of unnecessary invasive arthroscopic procedures.     

The value of nuclear magnetic resonance tomography in diseases of the knee joint

In a prospective study we examined 107 patients suffering from an acute trauma or a chronic disease of the knee joint by MRI. The MRI results were compared to the results of arthroscopy. Normal anatomical structures can be differentiated and there is a high diagnostic reliability for lesions of the medial (accuracy: 91%, predictive value: 84%) and lateral (accuracy: 93%, predictive value: 79%) meniscus, complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (accuracy: 93%, predictive value: 75%), chondropathia of the patella, and osteochondritis dissecans. Partial ruptures of the ACL as well as small cartilage defects could usually not be demonstrated.     

Nuclear magnetic resonance and computerized tomography in meniscus injuries of the knee joint

In a prospective study we evaluated the use of CAT scan and MRI in 53 patients with chronic symptoms and acute injuries of the knee joint. All these patients subsequently underwent surgery. A total of 21 patients had acute or chronic meniscus ruptures. The sensitivity of MRI was 86% (medial: 88%, lateral: 75%), its specificity, 95% (medial: 92%, lateral: 98%), its accuracy 93% (medial: 91%, lateral: 96%), its positive predictive value of 82% (medial: 83%, lateral: 75%), and its negative predictive value 96% (medial: 94%, lateral: 98%); CAT scan had a sensitivity of 86% (medial: 88%, lateral: 75%), a specificity of 97% (medial: 94%, lateral: 98%), an accuracy of 94% (medial: 93%, lateral: 96%), a positive predictive value of 86% (medial: 88%, lateral: 75%), and a negative predictive value of 97% (medial: 94%, lateral: 98%). In this study CAT scan and MRI proved to have a very high negative predictive value in the diagnostic of meniscal lesions. A negative result with one of these imaging techniques means that a rupture of a meniscus is highly unlikely. This may avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as arthrotomies or arthroscopic examinations.     

The influence of MRI on treatment decisions regarding knee injuries.

This study evaluated whether the information gained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee would provide information that was useful in the treatment algorithm. Three orthopedic surgeons completed a questionnaire immediately after the initial evaluation of a patient with a knee injury and for whom an MRI also was ordered by that surgeon. The questionnaire asked the surgeons' what their proposed clinical diagnoses and treatment plans would be if MRI was not available. Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Initial treatment recommendation was altered for 18 patients (21%) solely because of the MRI results. The physicians and MRI were most accurate for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears followed by medial meniscus tears, and lateral meniscus tears, and significantly behind in accuracy for patellofemoral chondral pathology. These diagnoses were more frequently missed in the face of acute ACL pathology for the clinician and MRI. In 19 cases in which the surgeon was confident of ACL insufficiency, in only 1 (5%) case did the MRI scan provide useful information. In 19 cases in which an ACL reconstruction was performed, the decision to proceed with the reconstruction was hastened in 3 patients because of the MRI results. These results indicate that the use of MRI for decision making in acute ACL tears is not of much benefit unless the diagnosis of ACL insufficiency is in question. Magnetic resonance imaging is more useful for the decision-making process when the pathology involves the menisci or chondral surfaces. In this study, MRI of the knee beneficially altered the treatment plan of the orthopedist in 18% of the patients and resulted in the prolongation of symptoms in 4% of patients.     

Diagnosis of intra-articular fracture of the head of the tibia. A prospective comparative study

Complete visualization of the joint surface is essential for correct assessment of tibial head fractures. Conventional tomography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are compared in this prospective study. We examined 27 patients (19 suffering from B fractures and 8 from C fractures) from 1 January 1995 to 11 November 1998. Conventional tomography underestimated the fractures in 3 of the 19 cases of B fractures. Computed tomography underestimated two of these cases. MRI could not exactly depict the essential structures in three of the eight cases of C fractures because of edema and effusions. MRI identified complete cruciate ligament rupture in 6 of the 27 cases (18%) and 10 meniscal ruptures in 9 cases (33%: 6 medial meniscus, 4 lateral meniscus). Complete ruptures of the lateral collateral ligament were detected in five cases and medial collateral ligament ruptures in two cases. According to this, 63% of the patients suffered from relevant accompanying soft tissue injuries. The rate of soft tissue injuries increased up to 92% including the partial collateral ligament ruptures. Local hospital conditions permitting, X-ray-loaded conventional tomography should no longer be used in tibial head fractures. X-ray-free MRI is most efficient in cases of B fractures, which can in most cases be treated with a minimum of invasive techniques. Computed tomography is to be used in cases of C fractures that are regularly managed by open surgery accompanied by direct visualization of the inside of the knee joint.     

前十字韧带断裂继发半月板损害的临床研究

目的研究前十字韧带(anteriorcruciateligament,ACL)断裂对半月板的影响。方法回顾分析1984年12月～1999年12月间收治的419例ACL断裂患者半月板的损伤情况及其与软骨损伤的关系。结果外侧半月板的损伤率随病程增加无显著变化,而内侧半月板的损伤率随病程增加显著增加,由急性期的31.1%增至亚慢性期的48.2%(P<0.01),又增至慢性期的78.8%(P<0.001)。内侧半月板后角损伤率较前角高,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。损伤形态以纵裂最常见,随着病程的增加,半月板损伤也越发复杂。内侧半月板损伤患者的内髁软骨损伤的发生率要高于内侧半月板正常者的内髁软骨损伤发生率,但差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);而外侧半月板损伤患者的外髁软骨损伤的发生率却显著高于外侧半月板正常者,差异有非常显著性意义(P<0.01)。结论ACL断裂可伴发和继发半月板的损害,ACL断裂时伴发的多为外侧半月板的损伤,而继发的半月板损害却以内侧为重。内髁软骨损害主要由股胫关节前后向不稳、异常活动增加造成,而与内侧半月板的损伤关系不大。     

Accuracy of nonorthogonal magnetic resonance imaging in acute disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament

A controlled, prospective study of 30 patients with suspected acute internal derangement of the knee was undertaken to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy of nonorthogonal (oblique) sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Thirty patients with acute hemarthroses underwent MRI within 12 days of injury, followed by arthroscopy within 24 h of the MRI. A control population of 30 chondromalacia patients underwent similar evaluation. In the acute hemarthrosis patient population, the incidence at arthroscopy of acute complete ACL tears was 60% (18/30); of partial ACL tears, 13.3% (4/30); and of chronic tears, 10% (3/30). A normal ACL was found in 16.6% (5/30) of patients. In the MRI evaluation of patients with suspected ACL injury the following results were obtained for both acute and chronic complete disruption on orthogonal (sagittal) and nonorthogonal (oblique sagittal) imaging, respectively: sensitivity, 61 (16/26) versus 100%; specificity, 70 (21/34) versus 100%; positive predictive value, 61 (16/26) versus 100%; negative predictive value 70 (24/34) versus 100%; and accuracy, 66 (40/60) versus 100%. In the evaluation of partial ACL injury, four partial tears were correctly diagnosed on nonorthogonal MRI, with one false-positive diagnosis. Orthogonal imaging failed to correctly identify any of the partial ACL injuries. Two patients in the control population demonstrated evidence of chronic ACL tears. We believe that we have demonstrated the superiority of T2-weighted nonorthogonal sagittal over conventional orthogonal sagittal ACL MRI in the evaluation of ACL injury.     

Meniscal lesions in so-called "isolated" ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament. Apropos of 59 cases

Between December 1984 and March 1987, i.e. a period of 27 months, the authors operated on 59 "isolated" fresh ruptures of the ACL with routine evaluation of the posterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. Lesions were investigated either by arthroscopy (23 cases) or by anterior arthrotomy with routine medial and lateral retro-ligamentous counter-incision (36 cases). This revealed 21 lesions of the medial meniscus (i.e. 35.5%) and 38 lesions of the lateral meniscus (i.e. 64.5%). Lesions of both menisci were present in 16 knees (27%) and only 16 knees (27%) were found to be free of any meniscal lesion. The majority of meniscal lesions were viable and could be sutured in 86% of cases for the medial meniscus and 87% of cases for the lateral meniscus. From the standpoint of operative technique, posterior lesions are relatively poorly visualized by arthroscopy (notably concerning the posterior horn of the medial meniscus though it is easier to assess the stability of the meniscus by this technique using the palpating hook. Lesions are well visualized by medial and lateral retroligamentous counter-incisions, but it is difficult to assess meniscus stability. Finally it should be noted that all of these ruptures of the ACL were dealt with by reconstruction of the central pivot either by suture and a strengthening procedure (semitendinous) or by ligament plasty from the outset.     

膝关节半月板和韧带损伤磁共振成像诊断

目的探讨磁共振成像(MRI)对膝关节损伤诊断价值和意义。方法行MRI检查并经手术或关节镜证实的病例27例,采用西门子公司1.5T超导型磁共振成像系统。均做矢状及冠状面扫描,层厚4mm。对8例有前交叉韧带(ACL)损伤和22个没有ACL损伤的膝关节,分别测量后交叉韧带(PCL)角和弯曲度指数,并进行统计学分析。结果23例31个半月板损伤,术前MRI确诊18例,24个半月板,确诊率分别为62.07%和77.42%。半月板损伤的MRI表现:①半月板内可见线条样异常信号影,延伸到关节表面(Ⅲ度);②半月板变小,内侧缘变纯;③半月板失去正常三角形结构;④半月板边缘凹凸不平,呈波浪状改变;⑤半月板外缘与关节囊之间距离增宽。在9例有ACL损伤的病例中,仅有5例术前得到明确诊断,确诊率为55.56%。PCL角和弯曲度指数测量结果在ACL损伤组和非损伤组间具有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论MRI对半月板和韧带损伤绝大多数能显示损伤的部位和程度,但诊断半月板损伤时,应注意辨别易混淆的正常结构和有些容易漏诊的MRI表现;对可疑ACL损伤者,在观察直接征象同时,应注意分析间接征像。     

The efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging in acute multi-ligament injuries

This study compares MRI with examination under anaesthesia to surgical findings in evaluating soft tissue injuries in acute multi-ligament knee trauma. Pre-operative MRI was done for 44 patients who underwent surgery for grade III ACL and grade III medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. In 21 cases both ACL and MCL were treated surgically, but in 23 only ACL. Intra-operative and MRI findings were compared. Accuracy of MRI for medial meniscal tears was 88.6%, sensitivity 80%, and specificity 91.2%; accuracy for lateral meniscal tears was 72.7%, sensitivity 55% and specificity 87.5%. Accuracy and sensitivity for severity of ACL tear was 93.2% and of MCL tear 86.4%. In 88.6% of the knees, bone bruises were visible, with anterolateral femoral and posterolateral tibial bone bruise being the most common. MRI revealed no chondral lesion, but arthroscopy revealed 11. In combined ACL–MCL ruptures, the incidence of concomitant injuries is high and the injuries are best detected with MRI.     

What is the terrible triad?

In 1936 Campbell asserted that "impairment of the anterior crucial and mesial ligaments is associated with injuries of the internal cartilage." O'Donoghue in 1950 called attention to "that unhappy triad (1) rupture of the medial collateral ligament, (2) damage to the medial meniscus, and (3) rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament" and recommended early surgical intervention. In 1955 he reported 33 cases with both medial collateral (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, but there were only three lateral meniscus tears reported. Based on a recent report by Shelbourne and Nitz that questions the validity of this unhappy triad, a review of all arthroscopically confirmed acute injuries of second degree or worse to the ACL and MCL was undertaken. Of a total of 52 knees reviewed, 50 knees had third-degree ACL tears and two had second-degree ACL tears. One of the second-degree tears was associated with a second-degree MCL and one with a third-degree ACL tear. Neither had an associated meniscus tear. Forty-five third-degree ACL tears were associated with third-degree MCL tears (group 1) and five with second-degree MCL tears (group 2). Eighty percent (36 knees) of group 1 had lateral meniscus tears. Only 29% of group 1 (13 knees) had associated medial meniscus tears. None of these medial meniscus tears was isolated. Eighty percent (four knees) of group 2 had lateral meniscus tears with only one associated medial meniscus tear. Again, there were no medial meniscus tears in the absence of a lateral meniscus tear. We did not find the combination of injury originally described as the unhappy triad.     

Postoperative change in medial meniscal length in concurrent all-inside meniscus repair with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Purpose

Meniscus repair can restore meniscal function that transfers the axial compressive force to circumferential tensile strain. However, few reports have investigated the relationship between concurrent meniscus repair with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and postoperative meniscal position. This study aimed to evaluate medial meniscal size and clinical results in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and concomitant all-inside medial meniscus repair.

Methods

Twenty patients underwent ACL reconstruction and concurrent medial meniscus repair of a peripheral longitudinal tear using the FasT-Fix meniscal repair device. Medial tibial plateau length (MTPL) and width (MTPW) were determined by radiographic images. We evaluated the Lysholm score, anteroposterior instability, meniscal healing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based medial meniscal length (MML) and width (MMW). Correlations between MRI-based meniscal size, radiographic measurement and height were investigated.

Results

All patients showed complete healing of the repaired meniscus in arthroscopic evaluation. However, one patient needed a subsequent meniscus repair during the follow-up period. Lysholm score and anteroposterior instability improved significantly. A better correlation was observed between MMW and MTPW than between MML and MTPL. Concurrent all-inside medial meniscus repair with ACL reconstruction significantly increased MML percentage (%MML) (100 MML/MTPL) but did not affect MMW percentage (%MMW) (100 MMW/MTPW).

Conclusions

Concurrent all-inside medial meniscus repair with ACL reconstruction had satisfactory clinical results. %MML was increased by concurrent medial meniscus repair without affecting %MMW. Our results suggest that medial meniscus repair associated with ACL reconstruction may restore meniscal function by adjusting the anteroposterior length of the torn medial meniscus.     

The triple PCL sign: bucket handle tears of both medial and lateral menisci in a chronically ACL-deficient knee

Bucket handle tears of both menisci in the setting of acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears of the same knee have rarely been reported in the literature. This article presents a case of a bucket handle tear affecting both the medial and lateral menisci in a patient with chronic ACL rupture. Both bucket handle tears were displaced and locked in the intercondylar notch. A new magnetic resonance image (MRI) sign suggested on sagittal view is called the triple PCL sign, comprising the intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the 2 displaced fragments in the intercondylar notch from the two bucket handle tears. The precise diagnosis of this condition is of obvious importance for optimal operative planning. While finding the displaced fragment from the medial meniscus is expected to cause the double PCL sign, the torn ACL may have made it easier to visualize the bucket handle tear of the lateral meniscus in the same sagittal plane as the PCL. Only 5 other reports mention bimeniscal bucket handle tears of both the medial and lateral menisci in association with an ACL tear. None have shown the suggested triple PCL sign because of lack of overlap between the 2 bucket handle tears in the coronal plane while lying in the intercondylar notch causing them not to fall in the same sagittal plane. Our patient showed some overlap between the 2 meniscal fragments while lying in the notch to create the triple PCL sign on sagittal MRI.     

Examination of the knee joint. The value of clinical findings in arthroscopic control

Purely clinical examination of the knee joint can, at best, only be regarded as a "screening procedure". Diagnosis with the aid of apparatus (sonography, arthrography, CT, NMR) produces better results. However, arthroscopy performed by an experienced examiner confirms the diagnosis in cases of suspected meniscus injury or isolated lesions of the cruciate ligaments and leads to early and therefore optimal therapy. In a retrospective study 300 arthroscopies performed in 1985 were selected and evaluated. In 1986/87, a further 300 patients were clinically examined prospectively, according to the same criteria, and findings were compared with the arthroscopy performed the following day. Clinically, in 287 patients with multiple diagnoses, internal meniscus lesions were diagnosed in 162 cases (54%), external meniscus lesions in 38 (13%), chondropathia patellae in 54 (18%), and old ruptures of the cruciate ligaments in 46 (15%). In 13 patients no diagnosis could be established. Arthroscopically, pathology of the internal meniscus was found in 98 (33%) of the 300 patients, of the external meniscus in 40 (13%), cartilage damage in 103 (34%), old cruciate ligament ruptures in 51 (17%), and recent anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in 156 (52%); in 40 cases findings were normal. At 78%, the highest positive predictive value (proportion of tentative clinical diagnoses confirmed by arthroscopy) was found in cases of old ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament, followed by external meniscus lesions (61%) and internal meniscus lesions (55%); i.e., only 55 out of 100 clinically suspected internal meniscus lesions are diagnosed by arthroscopy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

膝内侧半月板“湾征”对内侧副韧带断裂的诊断意义

目的内侧副韧带损伤后,关节镜下可见内侧半月板上滑膜缘完全显示,类似海湾形状,称为"海湾全景征"(简称"湾征"),判断其作为诊断膝内侧副韧带断裂标志体征的可靠性及意义。方法 2007年3月-2011年3月,纳入59例MRI检查提示内侧副韧带断裂患者作为观察组,其中男38例,女21例;年龄16～39岁,平均23.2岁;单纯内侧副韧带断裂12例,合并外侧半月板损伤16例,前交叉韧带损伤27例,前、后交叉韧带损伤3例,髌骨脱位1例。68例MRI检查提示无内侧副韧带断裂患者作为对照组,其中男45例,女23例;年龄25～49岁,平均31.8岁;前交叉韧带损伤38例,前、后交叉韧带损伤4例,前交叉韧带合并外侧半月板损伤26例。两组治疗前后行关节镜探查比较"湾征"出现情况。结果观察组膝内侧副韧带修复重建前关节镜探查均见"湾征",明确内侧副韧带断裂;修复重建后"湾征"消失。对照组交叉韧带重建前后均未见"湾征"。结论 "湾征"可作为关节镜下膝内侧副韧带断裂的诊断指征,以及术中韧带修复重建成功与否的判断依据。     

Accuracy of routine magnetic resonance imaging in meniscal and ligamentous injuries of the knee: comparison with arthroscopy

The aim of this study was to detect the accuracy of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done in different centres and its agreement with arthroscopy in meniscal and ligamentous injuries of the knee. We prospectively examined 70 patients ranging in age between 22 and 59 years. History taking, plain X-ray, clinical examination, routine MRI and arthroscopy were done for all patients. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, P value and kappa agreement measures were calculated. We found a sensitivity of 47 and 100%, specificity of 95 and 75% and accuracy of 73 and 78.5%, respectively, for the medial and lateral meniscus. A sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 100% and accuracy of 94% was noted for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). We found good kappa agreements (0.43 and 0.45) for both menisci and excellent agreement (0.84) for the ACL. MRI shows high accuracy and should be used as the primary diagnostic tool for selection of candidates for arthroscopy. Level of evidence: 4.     

Diagnostics of degenerative meniscal tears at 3-Tesla MRI compared to arthroscopy as reference standard

Introduction The goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 3-Tesla MRI for the assessment of degenerative meniscal tears in clinical practice. Materials and methods In patients with chronic knee pain, a negative history of acute trauma and a mean age of 52 years, 3-Tesla MRI were performed a few days prior to arthroscopy. In 86 menisci, diagnostic values of 3-Tesla MRI for the detection of degenerative tears were evaluated using arthroscopy as reference standard. The MRI classification, for meniscus diagnostics, described by Crues was used. Results At arthroscopy, all tears identified (19 horizontal, 7 complex, 3 radial) were degenerative as confirmed by histological examination. MRI grade II lesions had a prevalence of 24% and a rate of 24% of missed tears, whereas grade I lesions were not associated with a torn meniscus at arthroscopy. For meniscal tears, (grade III) sensitivity and specificity of 3-Telsa MRI was 79 and 95% for both menisci, 86 and 100% for the medial meniscus, and 57 and 92% for the lateral meniscus. The best diagnostic performance was found for complex tears, horizontal tears showed relatively good results, poor results were documented for radial tears. Conclusion For the medial meniscus, where horizontal and complex tears were more prevalent, 3-Tesla MRI shows a higher accuracy than for the lateral meniscus. Particularly with regard to the medial meniscus, 3-Tesla MRI could be effectively used when a degenerative tear is suspected. Nevertheless, in regard to a remarkable number of false positive and false negative findings the diagnostic value of a 3-Tesla MRI investigation should not be overestimated.     

Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopy Is the Gold Standard for Diagnosis of Meniscal Ramp Lesions: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Also May Be Helpful

Identifying and treating medial meniscal ramp lesions in conjunction with ligament reconstruction restores critical stability in knees with ligament injuries. This must begin with obtaining high-quality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and critical evaluation of the MRI and include a subsequent thorough arthroscopic examination of these knees. As evident in previous studies, most surgeons associate medial meniscal ramp lesions with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Biomechanical studies have reported that a ramp lesion produces significant anterior tibial translation and external rotational instability in ACL-deficient knees that is not reestablished with an isolated ACL reconstruction. In addition, recent research identified ramp lesions in one-third of multiligament knee injuries with an intact ACL and two-thirds of patients with posteromedial tibial plateau bone bruises on MRI. Restoring knee stability and biomechanics is necessary in treating all knee ligament injuries. Don’t miss the meniscal ramp lesion. Have a high index of suspicion, obtain a high-quality MRI,and arthroscopically evaluate the meniscocapsular junction of the medial meniscus, especially if there is a bone bruise seen on MRI.     

Arthroscopy of the knee in children

A review was carried out of arthroscopy of the knee in children. During a 34-month period, 2,378 arthroscopies were performed, 80 of these on children less than 16 years of age. Seventy-one cases were reviewed, which is approximately 2% of all children seen at the clinic. Thirty procedures were carried out in patients with hemarthrosis. Eleven patients required operative repair or reconstruction. There were 13 ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (43%), 4 ruptures of the posterior cruciate ligament, 14 ruptures of the medial collateral or posterior oblique ligament, and 5 ruptures of the lateral meniscus. Forty-one arthroscopies were done in patients without hemarthrosis or history of acute trauma. A clinical diagnosis of meniscus tear was correct in only 20%. Only one meniscectomy was performed and another meniscus tear was repaired. The most common diagnostic finding was abnormality of the patellofemoral articulation, which was diagnosed in 31 patients. Arthroscopic shaving of the patella was rarely indicated. As in adults, hemarthrosis indicates significant injury to the knee. Meniscus lesions are rare.     

Fresh rupture of the inner ligament of the knee joint. An analysis of a sports traumatologic patient sample from 1981 to 1987

Acute injuries of the medial collateral ligament occur either isolated or in combination with lesions of the cruciated ligament and medial meniscus. 126 patients were investigated retrospectively and special attention was drawn to the distribution and kind of ruptures. All distal lesions of the ligament and the most of intraligamental ruptures were combined with injuries of the anterior cruciated ligament and posterior portion of the medial meniscus. On the contrary the more favourable proximal lesions were found "isolated" as well. But in these cases an elongation of the ligamentum popliteum obliquum and a dischargement of the posterior parts of the medial meniscus were common. True isolated lesions of the medial collateral ligament were found if only the deep ligamental layers were involved. Special attention is drawn to the large variety of surgical possibilities.