MRI OF KNEE-JOINT - FIRST RESULTS OF A CO MPARISON OF A 0.2 T DEDICATED SYSTEM WITH A 1.5 T HIGH-FIELD STRENGTH MAGNET

Purpose: Diagnostic accuracy and image quality of a specialised system for MR examinations of peripheral joints were evaluated. Material and Methods: 20 patients with acute or chronic injuries of the knee were examined using a low-field MR system (0.2 T). For comparison, all pati ents were also studied with a 1.5 T high field strength magnet and all diagnoses were correlated with arthroscopic findings. Results: We fou nd compatible diagnostic accuracies (cruciate ligaments 90 %, menisci 75-90 %) and good image quality ratings for the low field system (''go od'' and ''excellent'' image quality in 83 % of cases). Conclusion: Th e low-field MR-system offers low-cost MR examinations of peripheral jo ints with good image quality and reliable diagnostic information.