[Imaging of the internal structures of the knee by MR tomography]

With magnetic resonance imaging it is possible to demonstrate the cruciate ligaments of the knee reproducibly without the need for invasive measures. Prerequisites for this are high-resolution coil systems and a stratum thickness of 5 mm or less. Examination of 29 patients and volunteers showed that normal cruciate ligaments can be delineated as homogeneous zones of low signal intensity and high contrast from the surrounding fatty tissue, while in cases of injury to the cruciate ligaments an interruption of the ligament structure, inability to detect them in anatomic position, or an intermediate signal is observed. In 13 cases operated on, with 12 injuries of the cruciate ligaments, the MR findings corresponded to findings at surgery. In 6 patients who had previously had cruciate ligament plasties there correlation with clinical findings was only partial.