Diagnostic Value of Dynamic Ultrasonography in Detection of Meniscal Injury in Correlation with MRI Knee findings keeping it as Reference Standard

Abstract

Background: MRI knee is an expensive modality for diagnosis of meniscal injury. Ultrasound can be confidently used as a diagnostic tool.

Objective: To compare the findings of high resolution dynamic ultrasonography of knee with MRI knee in evaluation of meniscal injuries.

Study type, settings & duration: This cross sectional validation study was carried out at Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad from January to June 2021.  

Methodology: In this study, 72 patients referred from Orthopedics’ department with clinical suspicion of meniscal injury were scanned, by using 12MHz linear probe in various knee positions. Their MRI knees were already done at outside diagnostic/ health facilities which was used as reference standard. Findings of both were compared and analysed.

Results: Ultrasound of 47 cases was positive for meniscal tear. Out of these, 37 cases (78.72 %) were positive on MRI thus regarded as true positive cases. 25 patients did not show tear on US. Out of these, 23 (92 %) were also negative on MRI, thus regarded as true negatives.

Conclusion: High resolution ultrasound is an accurate and inexpensive imaging tool and gives results comparable to MRI and it can be used equally in all patients.