Correlation Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Graft Maturity and Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using International Knee Documentation Committee Score.

Objective: The correlation between the signal/noise quotient values of an anterior cruciate ligament graft and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form 2000 scores after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was evaluated.

Design: Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical evaluation using International Knee Documentation Committee scores were used to calculate the signal intensity of the graft maturity at the 6-mo and 12-mo follow-up points postoperatively. The associations between the signal/noise quotient values at the 6-mo follow-up point and International Knee Documentation Committee scores at the 12-mo follow-up point were evaluated.

Results: A total of 42 male patients completed our trial and returned to normal activity level before the surgery. The mean ± SD age of these patients was 29.07 ± 8.11 yrs (range, 17-47 yrs). The mean ± SD body mass index was 26.00 ± 2.59 kg/m. Notably, the Pearson correlation analysis showed that the International Knee Documentation Committee scores obtained at 12 mos were significantly associated with the signal/noise quotient values measured in the sixth month and twelfth month, respectively (r = -0.454, P = 0.003; r = -0.478, P = 0.001).

Conclusions: According to this study, early measurement of graft maturity might predict the clinical outcome afterward. The sensitive predictive value of signal/noise quotient could be used to maximize the patient outcomes.