Correlation between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopic Findings in Knee Lesions

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive diagnostic method with no known side effects and a high sensitivity for detecting meniscal lesions as well as lesions of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. For a correct and complete diagnosis, MRI results must be interpreted in the context of clinical examination and anamnesis. MRI results can support the surgical indication for arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive intervention that facilitates the visualization, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of intra-articular lesions of the knee. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between MRI results and the intra-articular lesions detected arthroscopically. Material and methods: This retrospective study evaluated a total of 60 patients admitted and treated between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2014 in the Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Mureș County Hospital, Târgu Mureș, Romania. Results: In the 43 patients with lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament, the lesions were seen on MRI in 40 patients (93%) and confirmed arthroscopically in 37 patients (86%). In 34 cases (79.1% of the total of 43), the MRI and arthroscopic results were similar, the Kappa coefficient showing a high degree of correlation (0.90). Conclusion: By assessing the Kappa coefficient to highlight the correlation between MRI results and arthroscopic diagnosis for knee injuries, a statistically relevant correlation between the two methods was found. This suggests that a correct diagnosis can be achieved by both methods.