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Meniscal tears--comparison of arthrography, CT, and MRI
1Department of Medical Imaging, Memorial Hospital, Albany, New York.
Critical Reviews in Diagnostic Imaging
|January 1, 1989
Summary
High-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately detect meniscal tears in knees. Both noninvasive imaging techniques offer reliable diagnostic capabilities for acute knee injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Meniscal tears are common knee injuries.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Noninvasive imaging modalities are preferred for initial evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting meniscal tears.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of CT and MRI for meniscal abnormalities.
- To present protocols for CT and MRI meniscus imaging and interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 1750 knees using high-resolution axial CT.
- Comparison of CT findings with arthroscopic or arthrographic evaluation in 203 knees.
- Prospective evaluation of 270 knees using both CT and MRI, with arthroscopic correlation in 94 knees.
Main Results:
- CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.5%, specificity of 95.5%, and accuracy of 91.5% for detecting meniscal tears.
- MRI showed an overall accuracy of 89.5% for detecting meniscal tears.
- CT achieved an overall accuracy of 92.2% in characterizing meniscal tears.
Conclusions:
- Both CT and MRI are accurate and effective noninvasive methods for evaluating meniscal abnormalities in acutely injured knees.
- Properly performed CT and MRI provide reliable diagnostic information.
- The study outlines protocols and discusses the roles of CT and MRI relative to arthrography and arthroscopy.