Comparison of MRI versus Arthroscopy in Assessment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries of The Knee Keeping Arthroscopy as Gold Standard

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: To co-relate Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings with Arthroscopy through Sensitivity and Specificity, keeping Arthroscopy as a gold standard.

Design: Prospective cross-sectional study

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from February to August 2019 in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, after receiving approval from the Ethical Committee. MRI of 127 patients was done who had clinical signs of ACL injury and then were booked for Arthroscopy.

Results: There was a male preponderance, with 85.8 % being male. The majority of the patients were of 2^nd and 3^rd decade of life. The specificity, sensitivity, NPV, PPV, and Accuracy of MRI in assessing anterior cruciate ligament injuries were calculated in percentages of 64.28%, 89.89 %, 64.28%, 89.89%, and 84.25%, respectively.

Conclusion: MRI is accurate and a non-invasive modality for assessing anterior cruciate ligament tears with good accuracy and better sensitivity. However, diagnostic Arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament injuries.