Double contrast arthrography of the knee. A comparison to clinical diagnosis and arthroscopic findings.

The accuracy of pre-arthroscopic double contrast arthrography was evaluated in 100 consecutive patients. Meniscal tears were correctly diagnosed arthrographically in 76% of cases, and clinically in 85% of cases. Although reasonably accurate in determining the location of the meniscal tear, arthrography was significantly inaccurate in the evaluation of the type of tear. The status of the anterior cruciate ligament was correctly interpreted by arthrogram in 76% of cases; the integrity of the ligament was correctly assessed in 94% of cases by clinical examination without anesthesia. It appears, therefore, when compared to initial clinical examination, double contrast arthrography is of limited usefulness as a pre-surgical aid to the diagnosis of intra-articular knee pathology.