To Assess the Utility of MRI in Menisci and Ligamentous Injuries of Knee in Correlation with Arthrosopy

Abstract

Background: The knee joint is a very common site of injury. Most cases are attributable to trauma, repetitive activities and due to sports. Meniscal injuries are most common among knee injuries. MRI is an accurate, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating knee injuries and determines patient management, saving them from unnecessary arthroscopy. Our study focuses on the utility of MRI and its various sequences in assessing the most common knee injuries. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was done on 50 patients who were clinically suspected of internal derangement of the knee joint underwent MRI after taking written consent. Out of 50 patients in the study, 35 patients underwent knee arthroscopy after MRI .The findings were recorded on pre-structured proforma and correlation was done with arthroscopic findings. Results: Out of 50 patients who underwent MRI, ACL injury was the most frequent, observed in 35 [70%] patients followed by medial meniscus injury, seen in 20 [40%] patients. The sensitivity and Specificity of MRI with respect to arthroscopy in detection of ACL injury are 100% and 88.88%, respectively; thus, MRI is excellent in detecting ACL injury. Conclusion: The study reveals high sensitivity (95-100%) and high specificity (88-100%) for the meniscus and ligament injuries of the knee joint in comparison to arthroscopy. MRI is an appropriate screening tool for therapeutic arthroscopy, making diagnostic arthroscopy unnecessary in most patients.