Abstract

Aim of the study was to assess the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging in determining articular cartilage injuries of the knee with arthroscopy as the standard for comparison. 49 articular cartilage lesions were documented in 28 knees (27 patients) by arthroscopy. There were 22 men and 5 women (mean age 29 yr). Multiplanar magnetic resonance imaging was performed with spin echo and gradient-refocused acquisition in a steady state pulse technique. All knees had magnetic resonance imaging done within 4 wk prior to arthroscopy. The magnetic resonance images were interpreted before arthroscopy and interpreted again after the results of arthroscopy were known to better define the potential learning curve for evaluating chondral lesions and to identify the technical limits of the existing imaging protocol/software. For full-thickness articular cartilage lesions, the prearthroscopy sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging was 41 (12/29) and the postarthroscopy sensitivity was 83 (24/29). For partial-thickness chondral injury, the prearthroscopy sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging was 15 (3/20) and the postarthroscopy sensitivity was 55 (11/20). The presence of an intraarticular effusion assisted the detection of chondral lesions because of anarthrogram effect. As a noninvasive method of evaluating articular cartilage and despite experienced interpretation and the benefit of retrospective analysis, both the prearthroscopy and the postarthroscopy sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging was low. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)