Evaluation of Traumatic Knee Joint Injuries Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Insights from a 100-Patient Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Traumatic knee joint injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries encountered in clinical practice, particularly in young, active individuals and athletes. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment planning, prevention of complications, and timely rehabilitation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as the gold standard for non-invasive assessment of internal derangements of the knee joint.

Objective: To evaluate the role of MRI in the diagnosis of traumatic knee joint injuries in a cohort of 100 patients aged 15–65 years, and to correlate the imaging findings with clinical and surgical data where available.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months including 100 patients presenting with acute knee trauma. All patients underwent MRI examination on a 1.5 Tesla scanner using standard protocols (T1, T2, PD, STIR, and GRE sequences). Images were independently analyzed by two radiologists. Findings were compared with clinical examination and surgical/arthroscopic findings when available. Statistical parameters including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy were calculated.

Results: MRI detected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in 52%, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears in 10%, medial meniscus tears in 28%, lateral meniscus tears in 16%, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in 20%, and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries in 8% of cases. Bone contusions were seen in 40%, osteochondral lesions in 12%, and joint effusion in 60%. MRI showed sensitivity and specificity >90% for most ligamentous and meniscal injuries when compared with arthroscopy.

Conclusion: MRI is a highly sensitive, specific, and non-invasive imaging modality for the evaluation of traumatic knee injuries. Its ability to assess soft tissue structures, cartilage, and bone marrow makes it indispensable for comprehensive preoperative assessment and treatment planning