The postoperative knee.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) has established itself as the gold standard for noninvasive imaging of the knee. As in arthroscopy, assessment of injuries to the menisci, articular surfaces, synovium, and cruciate ligaments can be made. Additionally, MR has an advantage over arthroscopy in being able to assess the para articular soft tissues and cortical and medullary bony compartments. Until recently, the role of MR in the postoperative knee has been less clear. New information, however, suggests that MR is capable of assessing the status of the partially resected meniscus, the adjacent articular surfaces, and subchondral medullary lesions that frequently occur. There has been recent interest in reestablishment of the stabilizing function of a previously torn anterior cruciate ligament by means of autogenous or allogenous materials. MR permits the surgeon to assess the isometry and possible sites of graft impingement that may occur following cruciate ligament reconstruction. The purpose of this article is to define the current status of MR in the assessment of the postoperative knee.