MRI and Clinical Correlation of Ligamentous and Meniscal Injuries of Knee Joint

Introduction: Internal derangement of knee joint constitutes a major source of morbidity in Orthopedic outpatients department of our hospital. MRI would be a noninvasive non operator dependent effective modality for early detection of these pathologies and has very high negative predictive value. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MRI in early and precise diagnosis of ligamentous and meniscal injuries of knee. Methodology: Sixty patients with clinically suspected ligamentous and meniscal injuries of knee were included in this prospective study. They were evaluated with detailed clinical history and clinical examinations and were subsequently subjected to imaging of knee. Results: MR examination is a non-invasive and precise diagnostic technique to evaluate ligamentous and other soft tissue structures around the knee. Appropriate sequences and analysis of images in all three planes increases the diagnostic yield. Most of the injuries to ligaments and menisci can be diagnosed with increased level of confidence. Conclusion: MR examination is a non-invasive and precise diagnostic technique to evaluate ligamentous and other soft tissue structures around the knee. Appropriate sequences and analysis of images in all three planes increases the diagnostic yield. Most of the injuries to ligaments and menisci can be diagnosed with increased level of confidence. Currently, MR imaging has evolved as the most commonly performed radiologic test in the assessment of intra-articular knee abnormalities especially intraumatic settings. Post-traumatic pre-arthroscopic MR imaging evaluation has proved to be cost-effective. MR imaging when done in conjunction with clinical examination would thus be the best pre-arthroscopic diagnostic modality. It has replaced unnecessary diagnostic arthroscopy and complements therapeutic arthroscopy