MR-IMAGING BEFORE ARTHROSCOPY IN KNEE-JOINT DISORDERS

Purpose: To review the current literature examining the relative merit s of arthroscopy and MR imaging of the knee. Material and Methods: All papers comparing MR imaging with arthroscopy published within the las t 10 years according to Medline were collected and read. Results: Tech nology has improved considerably during recent years allowing de taile d non-invasive visualization of the knee. In particular, the developme nt of cheaper whole-body and dedicated low-field MR units has opened u p for non-invasive inspection of the knee at reasonable cost. Meniscal tears can be detected with accuracy rates of around 90% and rupture o f the anterior cruciate ligament with accuracy rates of around 93% com pared to arthroscopy. However, arthroscopy is not the ideal gold stand ard, since it has weak points, e.g. peripheral meniscal tears or osteo chondritis without apparent damage to the cartilage. Conclusion: Based on the overwhelming literature it seems safe to conclude that MR exam inations of the knee should be performed before arthroscopy is underta ken.