Feasibility of three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state sequences for evaluating the anterolateral...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Knee Anatomy

Background:

• The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is crucial for knee joint stability.
• Accurate visualization of the ALL is essential for diagnosing knee injuries.
• Traditional 2D MRI sequences may have limitations in fully depicting the ALL's complex anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of 3D CISS MRI sequences for ALL evaluation.
• To compare the diagnostic performance of 3D CISS with conventional 2D MRI sequences.

Main Methods:

• 30 healthy volunteers underwent 3 Tesla MRI of the knee.
• Imaging protocol included T2WI-FS, PDWI-FS, and 3D-CISS sequences.
• Multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) and rotating curved planar reconstructions (CPRs) of the ALL were generated from 3D-CISS data.

Main Results:

• 3D-CISS with rotating CPRs demonstrated superior visualization of ALL footprints compared to MPR and PDWI-FS (p<0.017).
• Rotating CPRs of 3D-CISS significantly improved depiction of the tibial part, meniscal part, and meniscal insertion of the ALL (p<0.05).
• The angle between the ALL and LCL was measured on oblique sagittal images.

Conclusions:

• 3D CISS MRI sequences significantly enhance the ability to identify the anterolateral ligament.
• This advanced MRI technique offers improved visualization of ALL attachments and structures compared to 2D sequences.
• 3D CISS MRI is a valuable tool for detailed assessment of the anterolateral ligament in knee imaging.