Role of Ultrasound in Assessment of Menisco-Ligamentous Injuries of Knee Joint in Comparison with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract
Background: While considering the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as 'gold standard' for detection of knee liga-mentous and meniscal injuries, we are determining the use-fulness of Ultrasound (US) in various knee injuries and correlate the findings of US with the findings of MRI.
Aim of Study: to assess the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in patient with suspected ligaments or menisci injuries of knee joint keeping MRI as the Gold standard.
Material and Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients who were referred to the Radiology Department with clinically suspected meniscal/ligamentous injury of the knee. After detailed clinical examination, US examination of the involved knee was performed together with an examination of the contralateral normal knee, followed by MRI of the symptomatic knee in all 30 patients. The MRI findings were considered as final. Sensitivity and specificity for ultrasound in knee injuries was calculated with correlation with MRI.
Results: In the present study, the majority of patients were in age group 18-57 years, 70% were males and 30% were females (of a total of 30 patients). A total of 30 patients were diagnosed as having ligamentous/meniscal tears on US and MRI. In the diagnosis of meniscal/ligamentous tears, the strength of agreement between US and MRI was good.
Conclusion: US of the knee shows promising results in the diagnosis of meniscal/ligamentous tears. A wide availability, cost effectiveness and better tolerability of US make it a modality of first choice for evaluating knee injuries.