MR imaging of the cruciate ligaments and menisci of the knee.

The results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee were compared with those of arthroscopy in 55 patients. Compared with arthroscopy, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR imaging were, respectively, 68.0, 93.3, and 81.8% for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL); 81.3, 87.2, and 85.5% for the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL); 66.7, 90.0 and 85.7% for the medial meniscus; and 55.6, 89.7, and 76.6% for the lateral meniscus. As compared with arthrography and computed tomography (CT)-arthrography, CT-arthrography was best for the ACL evaluation, arthrography for the medial meniscus, MRI for the PCL, and MRI and arthrography were better for the lateral meniscus. Effectiveness of nonoperative repair of the anterior cruciate ligament tears could be evaluated in two cases. We conclude that MRI is not a best method for the detection of tears of the ligament and meniscus as compared with arthrography and CT-arthrography, however, has good potential for the non-invasive method to assess the course of healing of the ligament.