Possible to diagnose a ligament tear without an MRI?!


Question: Had twisted my right knee badly a year back during football and was diagnosed with a ligament tear. Didn't confirm on it though.Had a knee brace for some time and some physio exercises. Seemed to be okay for a year.The problem recurred yest while playing tennis.The knee seemed to snap at a point.The pain has subsided now but can't bend the knee beyond a point. X-RAY didn't show anything.Some swelling persists though.Did consult a doc.Insisted on a MRI.
Time being a constraint,
Possible to diagnose if it's a ligament tear without a MRI being done?
Possible to diagnose if the problem is with the ACL or the side cartilages?
Best physio treatment?


Answers: Had twisted my right knee badly a year back during football and was diagnosed with a ligament tear. Didn't confirm on it though.Had a knee brace for some time and some physio exercises. Seemed to be okay for a year.The problem recurred yest while playing tennis.The knee seemed to snap at a point.The pain has subsided now but can't bend the knee beyond a point. X-RAY didn't show anything.Some swelling persists though.Did consult a doc.Insisted on a MRI.
Time being a constraint,
Possible to diagnose if it's a ligament tear without a MRI being done?
Possible to diagnose if the problem is with the ACL or the side cartilages?
Best physio treatment?

Having been in neuro radiology for years and a personal history of 9 major knee reconstructions, I can answer with both professional and personal experience. Yes, specific damage/injuries to your knee can be detected by physical exam. But MRI is specifically for soft tissues. To the extent that the ACL or any other tissue is damaged, only the MRI can give your doctor a definitive answer. Can you live with torn ligaments and meniscus? Most definitely. Life style changes are a must though. When the problem starts interfering with everyday life, then surgical intervention is probably indicated. I've been to the top knee surgeons in the country. All have said they've never seen a pro football player with as extensive of history/damage and surgery as mine. When people see me, they have no clue that I've had as many nor extensive reconstructions as I have. Therapy is key to much of it, but make sure you are going to someone which specializes in knees and has had lots of experience with the type of injury you are experiencing. Best of luck to you and go ahead and have the MRI. At least you'll know what you are dealing with. If surgery is suggested, go for a second opinion. Never hurts to get that anyway.

It is possible but not confirmable without the MRI ... its can be diagnosed by a physical exam, i.e. Lachman testing, valgus and varus stress testing ...





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