MRI - A Diagnostic Tool in the Evaluation of Internal Derangements of Knee Joint

Internal derangement of knee joint is the major source of morbidity in patients attending orthopaedic outpatients department of our hospital. It constitutes a group of disorders due to disruption of normal functioning of ligaments and menisci of knee joint leading to both persistent or intermittent signs and symptoms such as pain, instability, or abnormal mobility of the knee. MRI would be an noninvasive nonoperator dependent effective modality for early detection of these pathologies and has very high negative predictive value. MRI of knee would save us many unnecessary diagnostic arthroscopy, which is an invasive procedure with associated risks. With pivotal role played by MRI, Arthroscopy could be used mainly for therapeutic purposes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MRI in early and precise diagnosis of internal derangement of knee. Identification of indirect signs of tear of ligaments and menisci would increase the sensitivity of detection.