Three-tesla imaging of the knee: initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To assess 3-T imaging of the knee.


METHODS
We reviewed 357 3-T magnetic resonance images of the knee obtained using a dedicated knee coil. From 58 patients who had arthroscopy we determined the sensitivity and specificity for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and medial and lateral meniscal tear.


RESULTS
A chemical shift artifact showed prominently at 3 T even after improvements had been made by increasing the bandwidth. For complete ACL tear the sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval, CI, 75.30-100.00), and the specificity was 97.9% (95% CI 87.7-99.9). For the medial meniscus the sensitivity was 100.00% (95% CI 90.0-100.00), and the specificity was 83.3%(95% CI 66.6-95.3). For the lateral meniscus the sensitivity was 66.7% (95% CI 38.4-88.2), and the specificity was 97.6% (95% CI 87.1-99.9).


CONCLUSIONS
In general 3-T imaging allows a favorable display of anatomy and pathology. The lateral meniscus was assessed to be weaker than the other anatomic structures. Three-tesla imaging allows increased signal-to-noise ratio, increased resolution, and faster scanning times.
Craig
Joseph G
JG
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA. josephc@rad.hfh.edu
Go
Lily
L
Blechinger
Joseph
J
Hearshen
David
D
Bouffard
J Antonio
JA
Diamond
Mark
M
van Holsbeeck
Marnix T
MT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries