MR Imaging of Acute Knee Injuries: Systematic Evaluation and Reporting

Radiol Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;61(2):261-280. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.10.005.

Abstract

Acute knee injury ranges among the most common joint injuries in professional and recreational athletes. Radiographs can detect joint effusion, fractures, deformities, and malalignment; however, MR imaging is most accurate for radiographically occult fractures, chondral injury, and soft tissue injuries. Using a structured checklist approach for systematic MR imaging evaluation and reporting, this article reviews the MR imaging appearances of the spectrum of traumatic knee injuries, including osteochondral injuries, cruciate ligament tears, meniscus tears and ramp lesions, anterolateral complex and collateral ligament injuries, patellofemoral translation, extensor mechanism tears, and nerve and vascular injuries.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Imaging; MR imaging; knee; sports injury; trauma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries* / pathology
  • Fractures, Bone*
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Radiography