Radiographic evidence of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are commonly seen injuries. Initially, these injuries are routinely evaluated with radiographs, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The altered kinematics at the time of injury or for the duration of a chronic tear can create indirect findings on radiographs and MRI. These signs may help establish a diagnosis of an ACL tear or the chronicity of the injury. This article discusses these signs.