Hypertrophied cruciate ligament in high performance weightlifters observed in magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE: In a group of high performance weightlifters increased values of the cruciate ligaments (CLs) cross-sectional areas were observed. The purpose of this research was to investigate if repeated heavy workouts increase the volume of those structures. METHODS: The knee examinations were performed with an 1,5T MRI system. The area of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) midsubstance cross-section were evaluated in T1-weighted images with administration of contrast medium in a group of nine athletes. A control group of 19 participants was also examined using the same protocol. RESULTS: Significant differences of the ACL and the PCL midsubstance cross-sectional areas were observed between groups. The area of the CLs' midsubstance and the onset of training were strongly negatively correlated and the PCL cross-sectional area was strongly positively correlated with the duration of training. CONCLUSION: This research is the first description of the CLs hypertrophy, which is probably caused by heavy training that was started about the age of puberty. The age of training onset seems to have a greater impact on the hypertrophy process than the training duration. Knowledge of the phenomenon of cruciate ligament overgrowth is vital for orthopaedics because, possible changes of the CLs mechanical properties and three-dimensional orientation, may affect the incidence of trauma and reconstruction procedures technique.