MR imaging of the knee: three-dimensional volume imaging combined with fast processing.

A new examination protocol for patients with suspected meniscal or hyaline cartilage disorders is presented. Knees were imaged with a fast gradient echo imaging sequence with subsequent three-dimensional transformation. Data were transferred to an image processing system that allows reconstruction in any plane desired. Approximately 200 interactively positioned reconstructions are displayed and reviewed in approximately 10 min. Thirty-five patients with suspected meniscal or hyaline cartilage disorders were examined prospectively. All underwent subsequent arthroscopy. The magnetic resonance (MR) diagnosis showed an accuracy of 91.4% compared with arthroscopic findings. Owing to the short imaging time, the proposed procedure permits screening of knee joint disorders with MR.