Clinical judgement versus arthroscopy in diagnosing knee problems

A retrospective study to evaluate the accuracy of clinical diagnosis, based on arthroscopic examination in 120 symptomatic knee joints revealed an accuracy rate of 70.5% in medial meniscal injuries, 66.6% in lateral meniscal injuries, and 90% in anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Clinically unrecognized combined lesions were easily located, and false evaluation avoided. Besides, articular chondral changes accused for symptoms in an otherwise normal knee could be readily detected and evaluated arthroscopically. Accordingly, unnecessary arthrotomies were prevented and a well planned management was possible without suspect

diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging in the internally deranged knee

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in depicting meniscal and ligamentous injuries in 25 internally deranged knee joints prior to arthroscopic examination which was used as a standard for accuracy. The MRI interpretations were correlated with arthroscopic findings. For the medial meniscus [MM], lateral meniscus [LM], anterior cruciate [ACL] and posterior cruciate [PCL] ligaments the rate of accuracy was 56%, 92%, 76% and 92% respectively. The rate of sensitivity was 50%, 50%, 20% and 33.3% respectively. The rate of specificity was 58.8%, 100%, 58.8% and 100% respectively. These discouraging figures approached those reported in the literature. Advances in imaging resolution and gradual familiarity with the technique might improve the diagnostic efficacy of this new non-invasive modality in the future