Most knee injuries can be diagnosed by Dr. Lowe utilizing the history and symptoms of the injury, plain film x-rays along with the physical examination. He will ask you many questions regarding the injury. They will then perform several tests to check the integrity of the ligaments and other structures of the knee.
Many times Dr. Lowe will order a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan (MRI). This is done to assess structures that do not show up on x-ray or that may be questionable upon physical exam. The results of this test may change how he has to treat your injury. Treatment options may include: bracing, physical therapy and possibly surgical intervention. The MRI last around an hour, dependant upon the body part and structures that are being examined.
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Figure 1
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Figure 2
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In figure #1 if you look just above the arrow, you will see a band of black tissue that is running from 7:00 to 1:00. This is a good ACL. In figure #2, if you will look above the arrow, you will see that the ACL is absent.
