VALUE OF ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF LESIONS OF THE MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT OF THE KNEE-JOINT

Aim: The present prospective clinical study investigates the value of ultrasonic examination of injuries of the medial collateral ligament o f the knee. Method: The sonographical examination was done in a real-t ime method with an ultrasound unit Type AI 3200 (Dornier, Neufahm, Ger many) and with a linear transducer (frequency 7,5 Mhz). This functiona l measurement is being performed in neutral position and in valgus str ess on both knee joints to verify the opening of the medial joint spac e. 42 patients who have been suspicious for a lesion of the medial col lateral ligament of the knee were compared with 80 healthy persons. Re sults: The average medial opening of the medial joint space in the pat ient group using manual dynamic ultrasonic examination was 4.4 mm+/-1. 1 mm (2.5-8.0) applying the force manual and 4.0 mm 1.0 mm (1.3 mm-8.0 ) using the Telos fixation device to apply the stress force. The contr ol group showed an average medial opening of 2.2 mm+/-0.5 (0-0.5) as s tress was applied manual and 2.5 mm+/-0.7 mm (0-0.4) with the apparati ve stress examination using the Telos fixation device. Conclusion: The ultrasonic verification of the stability of the medial collateral lig ament complex in the medial longitudinal view using defined bony landm arks is a very reliable method as a diagnostic tool for acute or older lesions of the medial collateral ligament of the knee. Clinical Relev ance: The advantages of the ultrasonic examination are the immediate a vailability, the avoidence of radiation and the visualization of movem ents with dynamic examinations. In contrast to X-ray examination the u ltrasonic investigation can provide useful additional information on s oft tissue structures.