Abstract
Background
The knee joint is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. Because of its complex structure, this joint is subjected to numerous pathologies and due to the recent increase in various sport activities, there has been a parallel increase in sport-induced internal derangements of the knee. The main strength of knee MRI is the assessment of articular and Peri-articular diseases. The specific structures best suited for MRI assessment include tendons, muscles and ligaments, as well as peri-articular soft tissue masses.
Objective
The purpose of this study is to detect the accuracy of MR imaging as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of different knee joint pathologies that cause anterior knee pain, with emphasis on some of their grades and types for better assessment.
Methodology
This study included 20 patients (6 female and 14 male). Their ages range between 10-60 years (average age 30 years). All presented by anterior knee pain and were referred to radiology department of Ain Shams University hospital or private centers for MRI examination after orthopedic consultation.
Results
5% of the patients presented with anterior knee pain showed MRI evidence of patellar tendinopathy (66% below the age of 30 years and more in females). In all cases the hyperintense focal thickening was at the proximal third of the tendon, with the AP diameter of the patellar tendon greater than 8mm. In our results about 10% of the patients in the study sample, had MRI evidence of tear in the anterior horn of lateral knee meniscus with a female equal to male (50% females and 50% males). Cartilage injuries were detected in 5% of the study sample, showing male predominance (100% were male and 0% were female) with average age 32 years. All have a past history of trauma.
Conclusion
MRI is generally safe, accurate, and specific modality which has been proven to be the modality of choice in the diagnosis of different knee pathologies that cause anterior knee pain in different age groups. Also, it has a high specification in detecting the grades and types of some of these diseases.