A bone bruise at the lateral and medial tibial plateau with an anterior cruciate ligament injury is associated with a meniscus tear

Abstract Purpose Bone bruises with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are well studied, but the association between bone bruises and multiple factors is unclear. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between bone bruising and ACL injury and concomitant injury as well as clinical and functional scores. The second objective was to investigate the presence and distribution patterns of bone bruises. Method A total of 176 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction for primary ACL injury were included. The demographic characteristics and responses to clinical and functional assessments (the Visual Analog Scale for activities of daily living and sports, the Cincinnati Knee Rating System, the Lysholm score, the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and side‐to‐side difference in anterior laxity) were recorded at the initial visit. Concomitant injuries were evaluated by intraoperative assessment. Results Bone bruises were detected in 141 patients (80.1%). The lateral femoral condyle (LFC) was the most common site in 116 patients (65.9%), followed by the lateral tibial plateau (LTP) in 82 patients (46.6%), medial tibial plateau (MTP) in 47 patients (26.7%) and medial femoral condyle (MFC) in 29 patients (16.5%). Regarding the distribution patterns, bone bruising at only the LFC, which was the most common pattern, was detected in 38 patients (27.0%). Bone bruising at the LTP or MTP was significantly associated with lateral (LM) and medial meniscus (MM) tears (odds ratios 4.0, 3.0, 4.3 and 40.5, 95% confidence intervals 1.5–11.6, 1.2–15.1, 1.2–17.3 and 8.6–283.0, respectively). No marked differences in the functional or clinical scores were noted. The severity of bone bruising at the MTP was significantly associated with MM tears and that at the LTP was significantly associated with LM tears. ( p < 0.01). Conclusion This study showed association between bone bruising at LTP and LM tears or at MTP and MM tears. Additionally, it provided detailed information on the presence and distribution patterns of bone bruises at each anatomic site. These findings are clinically relevant and will aid in preoperatively diagnosing meniscus tears in cases of ACL injury. Level of evidence Level III.