CORRELATION OF CLINICAL EXAMINATION ANDMRI FINDINGS WITH ARTHROSCOPIC EVALUATIONOF MENISCUS TEARS AND CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURES

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between clinical examination and MRI findings with arthroscopy in diagnosing meniscal tears and cruciate ligament ruptures.

Methods: The research involved a retrospective review of 165 patients, including 142 males and 23 females, who underwent arthroscopy for meniscal or cruciate ligament injuries between January 2018 and July 2020. The arthroscopic findings were compared with MRI reports and clinical examination results, including Lachman, anterior and posterior drawer tests for cruciate ligament injuries, and McMurray tests for medial and lateral meniscus injuries.

Results: The study demonstrated that clinical examination showed strong sensitivity and specificity when compared to arthroscopy: Lachman test (84.76% sensitivity, 95% specificity), anterior drawer test (88.54%, 91.66%), and posterior drawer test (92.85%, 96.6%). McMurray tests for medial and lateral meniscus injuries yielded sensitivities of 81.51% and 68.42%, respectively, with corresponding specificities of 58.6% and 86.11%. MRI performance was also evaluated, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears showing 93.33% sensitivity and 90% specificity, while medial meniscus injuries had 84.87% sensitivity and 80.43% specificity. The lowest sensitivity was observed in diagnosing articular cartilage defects (29.16%), highlighting MRI's limitations in certain areas.

Conclusion: In conclusion, despite arthroscopy’s superiority as the gold standard for knee injury diagnosis, it remains an invasive procedure. A well-conducted clinical examination, supplemented by MRI, remains invaluable in the diagnostic process, allowing for precise management of meniscal tears and ligamentous injuries.