Editorial Commentary : Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lateral Subluxation Leads to Postoperative Laxity: What's in a Name? That Which We Call Instability Would Still Feel as Loose

Knee subluxation may persist on passive measurements performed on coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knee. This approximately 3 mm of continued subluxation occurs after primary anterior cruciate ligament repair and is associated with the chronicity of the anterior cruciate ligament tear. Although this amount is small, it appears that passive MRI‐measured coronal subluxation/laxity may be present even after reconstructive surgery. This is despite good subjective results and a functionally stable knee. The significance and implications of passive coronal subluxation on MRI may be of concern regarding the long‐term consequences of this subtle instability.