What is the appearance of a tear on plain film?

Joint effusion is seen acutely.
Avulsion fracture of the tibial spine may be noted.
Segond's fracture of the tibia, often associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury, may be visible on an AP view.
Impaction fracture of the lateral femoral condyle (deepened patellofemoral sulcus) may be seen in tears of the anterior cruciate ligament.