MR imaging before arthroscopy in knee joint disorders?

PURPOSE

To review the current literature examining the relative merits of arthroscopy and MR imaging of the knee.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All papers comparing MR imaging with arthroscopy published within the last 10 years according to Medline were collected and read.

RESULTS

Technology has improved considerably during recent years allowing detailed non-invasive visualization of the knee. In particular, the development of cheaper whole-body and dedicated low-field MR units has opened up for non-invasive inspection of the knee at reasonable cost. Meniscal tears can be detected with accuracy rates of around 90% and rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament with accuracy rates of around 93% compared to arthroscopy. However, arthroscopy is not the ideal gold standard, since it has weak points, e.g. peripheral meniscal tears or osteochondritis without apparent damage to the cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Based on the overwhelming literature it seems safe to conclude that MR examinations of the knee should be performed before arthroscopy is undertaken.