MRI-Based Laxity Measurement for Return to Play

The objective measurement of knee sagittal and rotation laxity upon the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesion has an essential role in the knee stability assessment. These measurements can further be evaluated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which in combination with instrumented assessment and physical examination can correlate both the “anatomy” and “function” of the ligament. The Porto-Knee Testing Device (PKTD) is a knee laxity testing device compatible with MRI that is capable of measuring the posterior-anterior tibial translation and tibial internal and external rotation. In this sense, the PKTD is a useful tool for the assessment of knee sagittal and rotatory laxity in the follow-up of football players that underwent ACL reconstruction. Hence, this tool may allow to identify individuals presenting residual knee laxity with increased risk of sustaining secondary ACL injuries and assist in the planning of secondary prevention programs.