MRI IN ACUTE KNEE DISLOCATION - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF CLINICAL, MRI AND SURGICAL FINDINGS

We treated 17 knees in 15 patients with severe ligament derangement an d dislocation by open repair and reconstruction. We assessed the compe tence of all structures thought to be important for stability by clini cal examination, MRT interpretation, and surgery, Our findings showed that in these polytrauma patients clinical examination was not an accu rate predictor of the extent or site of soft-tissue injury (53% to 82% correct) due mainly to the limitations of associated injuries, MRI wa s more accurate (85% to 100% correct) except for a negative result for the lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral capsule. The detai l and reliability of MRI are invaluable in the preoperative planning o f the surgical repair and reconstruction of dislocated knees.