[The postoperative knee : Common complications and their correct diagnosis]

Injuries of the knee are common, with torn meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament tears being among the pathologies most commonly treated by surgery.

To review the various normal and pathological postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or meniscus surgery.

Evaluation of clinical trials and expert opinions.

After knee surgery, various complications (e.g., inadequate tunnel placement, impingement, arthrofibrosis, graft disruption, and recurrent meniscus tear) have been described. These can usually be reliably diagnosed if the timing and type of surgery are known; however, limitations for imaging must also be considered.

Interpretation of postoperative knee MRI is challenging and requires knowledge of common complications of each type of surgery and their normal postoperative appearance on MRI.