Consistency in knee MRI reporting templates: an ISS survey and common data element analysis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Imaging

Background:

• Standardized reporting is crucial for consistent interpretation of knee MRI scans.
• Current knee MRI reporting practices among radiologists may vary significantly.
• The International Skeletal Society (ISS) comprises experts in musculoskeletal imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze knee MRI reporting templates used by ISS radiologists.
• To identify standardized information in the form of common data elements (CDEs) for knee MRI reports.
• To assess the level of standardization in knee MRI reporting.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 510 ISS members regarding their knee MRI reporting templates.
• Submitted templates were analyzed for structure and common data elements (CDEs).
• CDEs were classified and aggregated to quantify prevalence.

Main Results:

• 14% of invited radiologists completed the survey; 56% reported using templates.
• 62 knee MRI templates from 22 countries were analyzed, showing significant structural heterogeneity.
• 507 CDEs were extracted, with value list elements being the most prevalent (75%).

Conclusions:

• Knee MRI reporting among the surveyed ISS radiologists is not standardized.
• Template use is prevalent but shows substantial heterogeneity in structure.
• The study identified essential and consistently reported items for knee MRI.