MRI Evaluation of Ligamentous Injuries and Meniscal Injuries of the Knee Joint

AIM AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to correlate the MRI findings with the arthroscopic findings of ligamentous and meniscal injuries of the knee as well as to analyse the type and grade of ligament and meniscal tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging studies of the knee were performed in 50 clinically suspected patients using a 1.5T MR machine. Various sequences in coronal, sagittal and axial planes were obtained to evaluate the ligaments, menisci, joint effusion and bony contusions. RESULTS: All 50 patients had ligament injuries and out of these, anterior cruciate ligament tear was found to be the most common involving 38 cases. Medial meniscal tear were found in 61 % of cases who had complete ACL tear. Next common ligament to be torn was the lateral collateral ligament which was seen in 15 patients.57 % of these patients had grade 2 tear. Out of all the various sequences, PD in sagittal plane was most useful for ACL tear and fat saturated in coronal plane proved to be useful for MCL tear. CONCLUSION: MRI is an accurate, non-invasive technique in detecting the ligamentous injuries of the knee. It has great capability in classifying them into types and grades and can also avoid unnecessary arthroscopic examination. Various sequences are used to identify the tears but certain specific sequences proved to be most useful and should be included as a part of standard protocol.