Title: A Descriptive MRI Analysis of Pattern, Location and Grading of Meniscal Injuries of the Knee Joint with Arthroscopic Correlation
Authors: Dr Gopinath. G, Prof. Dr Adaikkapan. M, Prof. Dr Senthilnathan. A, Dr Rajadirajan. S, Dr Sankar. M
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i11.16
Background: Within a decade of its clinical introduction, magnetic resonance imaging has revolutionized diagnostic imaging of the knee. It has become the imaging test of choice for meniscal pathologies in the knee. Purpose: The objective of this study is to correlate the MRI findings with the arthroscopic findings of meniscal injuries of the knee as well as to analyze the type and grade of meniscal tears. Materials and Methods: MR imaging studies of the knee were performed in 50 clinically suspected patients using a 1.5T MR machine. Various sequences in coronal, sagittal and axial planes were obtained to evaluate the ligaments, menisci, joint effusion and bony contusions. Results: Medial meniscal tear was seen in 46% of cases and lateral meniscal tear was found in 38% of cases. Medial meniscal tear were found in 61% of cases, who had complete ACL tear. Next common ligament to be torn was the medial collateral ligament, which was seen in 14 patients. 57% of these patients had grade 2 tear. Conclusion: MRI is an accurate, non-invasive technique in detecting the meniscal injuries of the knee. It has great capability in classifying them into patterns and grades and can also avoid unnecessary arthroscopic examination. Various sequences are used to identify the tears but certain specific sequences proved to be most useful and should be included as a part of the standard protocol.
Abstract
