Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosis of Internal Derangement of the Knee

Abstract

The current study aims to assess the sensitivity and specifi city of magnetic resonance imaging by reference to arthroscopy in the preoperative diagnosis of knee pathologies. In this retrospective study, pre-operative knee magnetic resonance imaging reports of 70 patients were reviewed by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist and compared with the respective arthroscopic fi ndings recorded in the operative notes. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a sensitivity level of 92.7% and 61.3% and specifi city level of 33.3% and 53.9% in detecting pathologies of the medial and lateral menisci, respectively. With respect to the cases of complete anterior cruciate ligament tear, sensitivity was 76.7% with 92.5% specifi city. On the other hand, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 90.7% specifi city in the diagnosis of posterior cruciate ligament partial tear. Relatively better sensitivity in detecting cruciate ligaments pathology and better specifi city in detecting menisci pathology was reported using magnetic resonance imaging. Almost 25% of complete anterior cruciate ligament injuries may remain undetected in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging reports, while they represent the most prevalent knee injury. Magnetic resonance imaging should be used with caution in knee pathology and arthroscopy continues to be the gold standard.