[High-resolution 3-D imaging in MR tomographic knee joint diagnosis. Correlation with arthroscopy]

84 knee joints were examined by a 3-dimensional MR method and the results correlated with subsequent arthroscopy. The findings showed good demonstration of the normal anatomical structures and excellent reliability for the diagnosis of meniscus tears (sensitivity 91%, specificity 95%), cruciate ligament lesions (sensitivity 90%, specificity 99%) and serious cartilage damage (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%). Demonstration of mild cartilage damage (sensitivity 60%, specificity 99%) was better than with a spin echo technique but is not yet optimal. It is concluded that, by using a 3-dimensional technique, time-consuming spin echo sequences can be abandoned. Significant advantages of the 3-D method are the speed of the examination, narrow section thickness, marked flexibility in contrast rendering and the ability for multiplanar reconstruction.