[MR of the knee joint. Imaging of the normal anatomy and pathological findings using surface coils]

A special surface coil was developed with the intention of producing optimal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio for the examination of the knee joint by MRI. Eight volunteers and 25 patients with various abnormalities of the knee have been examined. Normal anatomical structures can be differentiated and there is high diagnostic reliability for lesions of the meniscus, as confirmed by arthroscopy and surgery. Cartilage lesions are less well demonstrated. Total rupture of cruciate ligaments is clearly shown, but partial rupture can often be recognised on the basis of indirect signs only. Good diagnostic results were obtained in cases of osteochondritis dissecans and chondropathia of the patella.