[Value of high-resolution CT and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography compared to the standard procedures in the diagnosis of meniscal lesions]

Abstract

The knees of 20 patients with evidence of meniscal tears were examined via high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT); 10 of these were studied by MRI. The HRCT study was performed directly after double-contrast arthrography (AG). For comparison with HRCT, slice orientation for MRI examination was in transverse view; gradient echo sequences using the FISP technique were applied instead of spin echo sequences. All results were correlated to the arthroscopy (AS) findings. In 95% of the cases AG and AS results agreed, HRCT/AS in 85% and MRI/AS in 70%. In certain cases HRCT provided additional information which influenced appropriate surgical treatment. MRI is a noninvasive nonionising method but gives a less exact documentation of the lesion than AG and HRCT. The gradient echo mode is superior to the SE mode in respect of outlining meniscal structures, at least in transverse view.