Evaluation of the postoperative meniscus of the knee: a study comparing conventional arthrography, conventional MR imaging, MR arthrography with iodinated contrast material, and MR arthrography with gadolinium-based contrast material.
OBJECTIVE
To compare four imaging methods in the evaluation of the postoperative meniscus: conventional arthrography, conventional MR imaging, MR arthrography with iodinated contrast material, and MR arthrography with gadolinium-based contrast material.


METHODS
Thirty-three patients referred for knee MR examinations with a history of meniscal surgery were studied prospectively. At the first patient visit, conventional MR examination was followed by an MR arthrogram with gadolinium-based contrast material. At the second visit, a conventional arthrogram with iodinated contrast material was followed immediately by an MR examination. Imaging examinations were interpreted by a masked reader, and then compared with the results of repeat arthroscopic surgery in 12 patients.


RESULTS
The correct evaluation of the status of postoperative menisci was allowed in 12 of 13 patients (92%) by MR arthrography using gadolinium-based contrast agent, 10 of 13 patients (77%) by conventional MR examination, 9 of 12 patients (75%) by MR arthrography, and 7 of 12 patients (58%) by conventional arthrography.


CONCLUSIONS
Intra-articular fluid is advantageous in the evaluation of patients with a suspected meniscal retear. MR arthrography with gadolinium-based contrast material is the most accurate imaging method for the diagnosis of meniscal retears.
Sciulli
R L
RL
Department of Radiology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA.
Boutin
R D
RD
Brown
R R
RR
Nguyen
K D
KD
Muhle
C
C
Lektrakul
N
N
Pathria
M N
MN
Pedowitz
R
R
Resnick
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods; D001182:Arthroscopy; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media; D007455:Iodine; D005682:Gadolinium