The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Traumatic Knee Injury

Abstract

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive modality plays a vital role in assessment of a wide spectrum of internal knee derangements. This study focuses on the commonest anatomical derangement and reveals the importance of MRI to characterize the pattern of derangement in the assessment of the patient with knee injury.

Methods: This is the hospital based prospective study conducted among 65 patients referred to department of radiology with first presentation of knee injury during two years period from August, 2013 to August, 2015. Patient fulfilling the inclusion criteria underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging knee in SIEMENS MAGNETOM C 0.35 Tesla MRI machine, after taking written informed consent. Descriptive analysis of data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 program

Result: Of the total 65 patients with knee injury, Sport injuries were the most common mode of knee injury. 63 cases with trauma had findings on MRI. Most of the cases presented with joint effusion (59 cases). Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is the commonest injury (37 cases) during knee trauma followed by Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), Medial Meniscus, Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Lateral Meniscus and Lateral Collateral Ligament(LCL) injuries.

Conclusion: MRI as a high-contrast soft-tissue imaging technique can be used as a noninvasive modality to assess a wide spectrum of internal knee derangements in a patient with knee injury. Specific pattern of bone bruise can guide us to narrow our diagnosis.