Correlation Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopic Findings in the Knee Joint

Background: The knee joint is the largest and the most complex joint of the human body. It is not covered by any thick muscular covering anteriorly. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnostic capabilities of clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopy in traumatic disorders of the knee joint, to seek correlation between clinical findings, MRI findings and arthroscopic. Patients and Methods: A total of ۲۶ patients with a presentation suggestive of traumatic knee pathology were studied prospectively. A detailed history was taken and relevant clinical examination was done, which was followed by MRI of the knee. The patients were scheduled for arthroscopy under general/spinal anesthesia, whenever indicated. Results: Keeping arthroscopic examination as standard, the correlation between clinical and arthroscopy showed a sensitivity of ۸۰%, specificity of ۸۶%, accuracy of ۶۳.۱۶%, negative predictive value of ۹۳.۴۸%; whereas MRI vs. arthroscopy showed a sensitivity of ۷۴.۴۲%, specificity of ۹۳.۱۰%, accuracy of ۸۴.۲۱%, and negative predictive value of ۸۸.۰۴%. Conclusions: The clinical examination is an important and accurate diagnostic modality for evaluation of traumatic derangement of the knee joint. It is noninvasive, easy, available, and valuable diagnostic modality. The MRI is an accurate diagnostic modality. It can be used whenever there is an uncertain indication for arthroscopy. However, costs have to be kept in mind, especially in patients with low socioeconomic status.