Direct 3D imaging of the knee menisci during 16-row multislice CT arthrography

The aim of this paper was to explore the possibility to obtain high quality 3D images of the knee menisci during 16-row multidetector (MDCT) CT arthrography and to illustrate the performances of 3D images versus classical multi-axial 2D reformatted views through the study of a continuous series of 322 unselected patients. Correct to excellent meniscal 3D images were technically available in 97.7% of cases. When compared with 2D reformatted views, the negative predictive value, positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of 3D meniscal images were respectively 98.9, 98.6, 98.6 and 98.9% for the medial meniscus (MM) and 100% for the lateral meniscus (LM). Available in most patients, convincing 3D images of knee menisci obtained during 16-row MDCT arthrography could probably become a new method of choice for optimal illustration of complex meniscal tears in the future. Alternatively, efforts should be done to promote the development of similar 3D imaging of the knee menisci during MR studies that are considered by many authors as the gold standard non-invasive imaging method of the knee.