Role of MRI in Evaluation of Anterior Knee Pain

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Abstract Background: MRI is well known for being particularly useful for scanning and detecting abnormalities in soft tissue structures like the cartilage tissues, tendons, and ligaments. Moreover, MRI can also aid in determining those patients with knee injuries who will require surgical intervention. MR imaging is recognized as a standard procedure and has replaced diagnostic arthroscopy as the primary diagnostic modality for many knee pathologies. Furthermore, MR images can be used to assess anatomic variants that may contribute to chronic patellar instability. Aim of Study: To go over several of the most common causes of Anterior Knee Pain (AKP), with emphasis on their MRI findings with the goal of allowing diagnosis that is more accurate and grading of some of the most common pathologies, for interpreting, reaching an efficient treatment and drastic improvement of this common complaint. Patients and Methods: This study included 25 patients (8 females and 17 males). Their ages ranging between 10-60 years (average age 30 years). All presented by anterior knee pain and were referred to Radiology Department of Ain Shams University Hospital or private centers for MRI examination after orthopedic consultation. This descriptive study was done to detect the role of MRI in the evaluation of anterior knee pain and apply advanced MRI techniques such as sagittal T2 mapping to visualize the articular cartilage of the knee. Most patients were subjected to MR imaging of the affected knee joints on high field strength scanners using Philips scanners Achieva or Intera (1.5T). Results: The present study revealed that 26% patellar tendon disorders which included (patellar Tendinopathy 21% and Osgood Schlatter disease 5%). Quadriceps tendon disorders represented 10% and they are including (Quadriceps Tendin-opathy 5% and Quadriceps tendon tear 5%). 69% of the sample size showed Patellar disorders represent and they are including (chondromalacia patella 32%, patellar instability 21%, transient patellar dislocation 11% and painful bipartite patella 5%). Hoffa's disease was demonstrated in 21% of the sample size and they are including (Hoffa impingement syndrome and Hoffa ganglion cyst), finally we have torn anterior horn of the lateral meniscus and they represent 5%. Conclusion: MRI is generally safe, accurate, and specific modality, which has been proven to be the modality of choice in the diagnosis of different knee pathologies that cause anterior knee pain in different age groups. Also it has a high specification in detecting the grades and types of some of these diseases or factors predispose to them as patella Alta and trochlear dysplasia.