Bone Contusion on the Medial Compartment is a Predictive Factor for more Associated Injuries After ACL Rupture

OBJECTIVES: Determine the frequency of bone contusion and associated injuries, observed in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. METHODS: Seventy two patients with an ACL rupture were enrolled in our prospective study. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) and arthroscopic findings of all patients were examined in order to detect bone contusions and associated injuries, such as meniscal lesions and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. ACL rupture and meniscal lesions were also verified with knee arthroscopy. Correlation between bone contusions and meniscal lesions or MCL injury was performed. Statistical packet STATA 8.0 was used for data analysis and significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Fifty eight (80.5%) patients presented with associated bone contusions observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Lateral aspect of the tibia plateau (71%) and lateral femoral condyle (69%) were the most common sites with contusions. Medial compartment was associated with contusions of medial aspect of the tibia plateau and medial femoral condyle in 25% and 22% of patients respectively. The frequency of lateral meniscus (p = 0.022), medial meniscus (p = 0.036) and MCL (p = 0.05) injuries, significantly increased in patients with bone contusions of medial and lateral compartments compared to those with bone contusions on lateral only compartment or without bone contusions. CONCLUSION: Bone contusion on the medial compartment is a predictive factor for more associated injuries, seen after ACL rupture and it suggest a higher energy trauma.