Bone Contusion Patterns of the Knee: MRI as a Footprint of Injury Mechanism

A practical radiology review of Bone Contusion Patterns of the Knee: MRI as a Footprint of Injury Mechanism, focused on imaging findings, differential diagnosis, reporting...

RadPhrases Editorial TeamJuly 31, 20261 min read

Radiology workstation showing images from several modalities moving through a systematic review sequence into a report

A practical radiology review of Bone Contusion Patterns of the Knee: MRI as a Footprint of Injury Mechanism, focused on imaging findings, differential diagnosis, reporting points, and high-yield teaching pearls.

General Concept
Bone marrow edema = injury footprint
Distribution → predicts mechanism + soft tissue injury

Mechanisms

Compression
Direct blow
Avulsion traction

1. Pivot Shift Injury (ACL injury pattern)

Pattern
Posterolateral tibial plateau
Lateral femoral condyle (midportion)
± posterior medial tibial plateau (contrecoup)
Mechanism
Valgus + rotation + deceleration
Tibial anterior subluxation → impaction
Associated Injuries
ACL tear (classic)
Posterior horn meniscus tears (lat > med)
MCL injury
Posterolateral capsule / arcuate complex injury

Related calculators

Browse the other checklists, phrase sets, and systematic approaches in this topic.

Reporting SystematicsBrowse every guide in this topic

Related checklists, phrase sets, and systematic approaches that examine the same reporting problem from another angle.

Reporting SystematicsMRI Patterns in Term Perinatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury1 min read Reporting SystematicsCongenital Posterior Fossa Malformations: Imaging Patterns and Diagnostic Approach1 min read Reporting SystematicsMalformations of Cortical Development: MRI Patterns and Genetic Clues1 min read Reporting SystematicsA Practical Imaging Approach to Spinal Dysraphism1 min read Reporting SystematicsA Segmental Approach to Congenital Heart Disease1 min read

Bone Contusion Patterns of the Knee: MRI as a Footprint of Injury Mechanism

Mechanisms

1. Pivot Shift Injury (ACL injury pattern)

Related calculators

2. Dashboard Injury (PCL injury pattern)

3. Hyperextension Injury

4. Clip Injury (Valgus contact)

With more flexion

5. Lateral Patellar Dislocation

Pivot shift

Clinical use note

Apply the system with a ready-to-edit template

Mechanisms

1. Pivot Shift Injury (ACL injury pattern)

Related calculators

Continue learning

2. Dashboard Injury (PCL injury pattern)

3. Hyperextension Injury

4. Clip Injury (Valgus contact)

With more flexion

5. Lateral Patellar Dislocation

Pivot shift

Clinical use note

Apply the system with a ready-to-edit template