The knee joint - Arthroscopy versus magnetic resonance imaging findings of the knee joint. A comparative study
Abstract
This study was designed to assess the sensitivity of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee joint to arthroscopy in the diagnosis of meniscal, ligamentous and chondral knee laesions. A retrospective study of the total 916 arthoscopies in 2005 was performed.
Among them a group of 88 patients fulfilling entry criteria was chosen. The cumulative counts of arthroscopic findings were 44 medial and 20 lateral meniscal injuries; 54 anterior and 4 posterior cruciate ligament leasions, 24 chondral defects and 21 findings of plica.
The sensitivity of MRI examination was 75 % in medial and 50 % in lateral menicus laesions, 70.4 % in anterior and 100 % in posterior cruciate ligaments, 25 % in chondral defects and 0% in finding of plica. The reliability of MRI compared to arthroscopic findings was less or more in meniscal tears, ligaments and chondral laesions.
Other comparative study using more technical point of view will be needed to evaluate benefit of the pre-operative MRI.