The value of MRI tomography in the diagnosis of intra-articular lesions of the knee

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee was performed in 50 patients with unilateral knee problems with clinical suspicion of a meniscular tear or degeneration of the cartilage. The findings of the MRI examination were compared with previously performed arthrography and the diagnosis was subsequent confirmed arthroscopically. MRI detected degenerative changes in 69 out of 100 menisci and signs of a meniscal tear in 31 of the menisci. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for a tear in the medial or the lateral meniscus was 91%. MRI was accurate in the detection of 8/11 ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament and in 6/13 cases with degenerative changes of the patella. (author). 30 refs.; 2 figs.; 2 tabs