Role of 0.5T MRI in diagnosis of articular cartilage injury of knee

Objective To probe role of low field MRI in diagnosis of articular cartilage injury of knee, as well as in evaluation of clinical significance. Methods MRI images of 31 patients with acute articular cartilage injury of knee confirmed by arthroscopy and arthrotomy were reviewed and analyzed.Comparisons between MRI images and arthroscopy and/or operation were made. Results 29 out of 31 that had cartilage injury showed signs on MRI, among them 14 displayed abnormal cartilage signal,13 manifested abnormal cartilage signal with local defects,and 14 with injury in bone that was under cartilage.MRI also found bone bruise and occult fracture that were missed by arthroscopy. Conclusion MRI is able to accurately display knee cartilage injury,and with assistance of clinical manifestations and arthroscopy,it can effectively give size and extent of knee articular cartilage injury.