INFLUENCE OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING ON INDICATIONS FOR ARTHROSCOPY OF THE KNEE

In a prospective study, magnetic resonance imaging was performed befor e arthroscopy for all patients (n = 121) with a meniscal tear (n = 125 ), Criteria of the study were stable cruciate and collateral ligaments , absence of pathologic radiographic findings, and absence of prior su rgical interventions of the involved knee joint, In 43 knees (34%), th e clinical diagnosis of a meniscal tear was discarded because of the r esults of the magnetic resonance imaging examination, Synovitis was di agnosed in 16 patients (13%), articular cartilage damage in 10 patient s (8%), bone bruise injuries in 10 patients (8%), osteochondritis diss ecans in 3 patients (2%), disruption of the inner layer of the medial collateral ligament in 3 patients (2%), and osteonecrosis in 1 patient , The use of magnetic resonance imaging in establishing diagnosis of d isorders of the knee joint altered treatment in a significant proporti on of patients, Magnetic resonance imaging should be done before arthr oscopy of the knee in all cases in which the clinical diagnosis has be en reduced to a suspected meniscus injury.