title: [Guidelines for wise utilization of knee imaging].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The knee is a complex structure afflicted with diverse pathologies. Correct management of knee complaints demands wise utilization of imaging modalities, considering their accuracy in the specific clinical situation, the patient's safety and availability and financial issues. Some of these considerations are universal, while others are local, depending on medical and insurance systems. There is controversy and unclearness regarding the best imaging modality in different clinical situations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop clinical guidelines for utilizing knee imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  Leading physicians in specialties associated with knee disease and imaging were invited to participate in a panel on the guidelines. Controversies were settled in the main panel or in sub-panels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The panel agreed on the principles in choosing from the various modalities, primarily medical accuracy, followed by patient safety, availability and cost. There was agreement that the physician is responsible to choose the most appropriate diagnostic tool, consulting, when necessary, on the advantages, limitations and risks of the various imaging modalities. A comprehensive table was compiled with the importance of the different imaging modalities in various clinical situations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For the first time, Israeli guidelines on wise utilization of knee imaging are presented. They take into consideration the clinical situations and also availability and financial issues specific to Israel. These guidelines will serve physicians of several disciplines and medical insurers to improve patient management efficiently.
authors: Orthopedics Department, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zeriffin. asff@inter.net.il
authors: Aharon S
authors: AS
authors: Finestone
authors: Iris
authors: I
authors: Eshed
authors: Yehuda
authors: Y
authors: Freedman
authors: Yiftah
authors: Y
authors: Beer
authors: Zvi
authors: Z
authors: Bar-Sever
authors: Yavvgeni
authors: Y
authors: Kots
authors: Eliyahu
authors: E
authors: Adar
authors: Gideon
authors: G
authors: Mann
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000191:economics; D007557:Israel; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic