A member asked:

Does a mri always show a tear? what physical exam test is giving for acl problems?

7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Drawer test is used: To test for tears in the cruciate ligament(s) of the knee. It may not detect slight tears, whereas an MRI can show even small tears. A good orthopedic surgeon can test you to determine whether an MRI is necessary.

Dr King agreed

Answered 6/10/2014

5.9k views

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Dr. Arnold Friedman answered

No: Mri almost always shows meniscal or acl tears but nothing is perfect.

Dr Amico Jr and 2 doctors agreed

Answered 12/16/2014

5.9k views

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Dr. Timothy Trainor answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

Not always: But an MRI is about 96 % accurate in detecting an acl tear. A lachman physical exam and anterior drawer physical exam can be used to diagnose an acl tear.

Answered 6/10/2014

5.4k views

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A member asked:

Does a mri always show a tear? what physical exam test is giving for acl problems?

7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Dr. Ralph Morgan Lewis answered

Dr King agreed

Dr. Arnold Friedman answered

Dr Amico Jr and 2 doctors agreed

Dr. Timothy Trainor answered

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