Assessment of Knee Injuries Using MRI: A Retrospective Study

Background: Knee injuries are common and often involve complex ligamentous, meniscal, and osseous structures. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential ‘to guide management and prevent long-term complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the preferred non-invasive modality for evaluating internal knee derangements. Aim: To assess the spectrum and frequency of knee injuries detected on MRI in patients presenting with trauma and analyze associated age- and gender-specific patterns. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 90 patients who underwent knee MRI following trauma at the Department of Radiodiagnosis, DRPGMC, Tanda, Kangra, India. MRI scans were evaluated for ligamentous (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), meniscal, and osseous injuries, including bone contusions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: ACL injuries were the most common ligamentous pathology, often accompanied by medial meniscus tears and bone contusions. Collateral ligament injuries were generally low-grade. Younger adults predominantly sustained ACL injuries and bone contusions, while meniscal injuries were more frequent in middle-aged patients. Males were more commonly affected, but gender did not significantly influence injury type. Conclusion: MRI provides detailed assessment of knee injuries, enabling accurate diagnosis, detection of associated lesions, and informed clinical decision-making. It remains a crucial tool in managing traumatic knee injuries.