Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint : What does the orthopedic surgeon expect from the radiologist?

Abstract

Magnet resonance imaging (MRI) offers aprecise visualization of structural changes with high sensitivity and specificity. However, not all these soft tissue damages or bony lesions are clinically relevant or require treatment. Therefore, it is important to provide the radiologist with aspecific clinical request when asking for an MRI examination of the knee. In this article, all important anatomical structures of the knee joint will be addressed with emphasis on the relevant questions for the radiologist. Based on the clinical examination, the MRI provides information about the damage of anatomical structures. This information is of utmost importance for therapeutic decision-making in order to allow an adequate and personalized treatment of patients.