Diagnostic accuracy of dynamic ultrasound imaging in cruciate ligament tears

Breukers et al. (2019) concluded that the excellent negative predictive value (NPV) for complete ACL tears indicates that dynamic musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging can be used as an initial imaging point-of-care test. However, the clinical presentation should be taken into account, especially in case of subtotal tears. Whereas it seems relatively easy to differentiate between (small) partial ACL tears, complete ACL tears and no tears, it seems to be difficult to differentiate subtotal tears from complete tears. However, literature shows that MRI seems not to be superior.

To explain the definition of NPV: it’s the probability that subjects with a negative screening test truly don't have the disease.

URL to PubMed: http://bit.ly/2RFOLxs