[1.5 T MRI, arthrography and arthroscopy in the evaluation of knee lesions]

It has been previously demonstrated that MRI can show the knee joint non-invasively and without radiation. Forty-two patients with lesions of the knee were examined using 1.5 Tesla and flexible surface coils. The findings were compared with those of arthroscopy, arthrography and, where possible, with those at surgery. For the evaluation of cruciate ligament injuries, MRI proved to have a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 82% with an overall accuracy of 92%. Thirty-nine cruciate ligaments were correctly evaluated. Three times a false positive diagnosis was made. Examination of the menisci was less reliable. Sensitivity was 88% and specificity was 83% with an overall accuracy of 94%. Fifteen meniscus lesions were correctly diagnosed. Three times a false positive and twice a false negative diagnosis was made. Four of the five incorrect diagnoses concerned the posterior horn of the meniscus and three were situated laterally.