Magnetic resonance imaging of the ligaments and menisci of the knee.

Although the technique is still developing and the data are preliminary, MRI will likely be the best noninvasive method for evaluating the ligaments and menisci of the knee. It can provide valuable and accurate information, especially in the acutely injured knee. The presence, extent, and exact location of cruciate ligament disruption can be visualized. This is useful in patients in whom the clinical diagnosis is uncertain and provides valuable information in preoperative planning. Equally important is the ability of MRI to provide diagnostic information about associated injuries to the collateral ligaments, capsule, menisci, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone. Proper pulse sequence selection is important. T2-weighted spin-echo sequences are best for visualizing injuries to the ligaments and menisci, and T1-weighted sequences (inversion-recovery or spin-echo with a short TR and a short TE) are more helpful in evaluating cartilaginous and bony abnormalities.