Characterization of Knee Joint Associated with Pain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

The knee joint is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body, Because of its complex structure, this joint is subjected to numerous pathologies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly sensitive in detecting these pathologies. This was a retrospective study done in Saudi Arabia in the period from August 2017- July 2019, the main aim was to characterize the painful knee joint, the sample includes 151 patients their ages ranged between 18 to 70 years, suffering from knee joint pain with positive findings, the data collected from PACS system, using tabulated database sheet and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Studies. The data included demographic information and MRI findings. MRI of the knees was done using a four-channel knee coil and a 1.5 Tesla superconducting magnet. The study revealed that knee joint pain affecting male more than female (79.47% 20.53%) respectively, more common in age group ranged 28-37 years (35.7%), the left side affected more than the right one 58.9%, the most common affecting structures is bursa 60.9% followed by meniscus 57% then bone, ligament and cartilage, concerning bursa effusion was more common 48.3% due to synovial reaction which occurs as results of inflammation or other pathology. Degenerative changes are most pathology affecting meniscus 23.8% followed by the posterior horn of medial meniscus tear 18.5%, an anterior cruciate ligament tear is more common pathology affecting ligament 35.8% and concerning bony structure the presenting pathology in most cases is osteoarthritis changes 32.4%. There was a significant correlation between bony abnormalities and bursal abnormalities in a patient with knee joint Pain P>‏ 0.01.