MRI for Traumatic Knee Injury: A Review

Oei, Edwin H.G.; Ginai, Abida Z.; Hunink, M.G. Myriam

doi:10.1053/j.sult.2007.01.003

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Volume 28, Issue 2 , Pages 141-157, April 2007

MRI for Traumatic Knee Injury: A Review

Edwin H.G. Oei, MD, MSc
- Program for the Assessment of Radiological Technology (ART Program), Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abida Z. Ginai, MD, PhD
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
M.G. Myriam Hunink, MD, PhD
- Program for the Assessment of Radiological Technology (ART Program), Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Address reprint requests to M.G. Myriam Hunink, MD, PhD, Program for the Assessment of Radiological Technology (ART Program), and Departments of Radiology and Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Ee21-40a, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established technique for detecting internal derangements of the knee joint with high diagnostic accuracy. It is an effective tool to select patients for targeted therapeutic arthroscopy. In this article, indications for knee MRI and most commonly used MRI techniques are outlined, followed by an overview of the most frequently encountered traumatic knee derangements in daily practice and their appearance and grading system on MRI. Lesions discussed include fractures, osteochondral lesions, bone bruise, cruciate and collateral ligament lesions, and meniscal tears. Finally, common pitfalls and recent developments in knee MRI are addressed.