Role of MRI in the Evaluation of Anterior Knee Pain

Abstract

he 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 and due to the recent increase in various sport activities, there has been a parallel increase in sport-induced internal derangements of the knee. The main strength of knee MRI is the assessment of articular and Peri-articular diseases. The specific structures best suited for MRI assessment include tendons, muscles and ligaments, as well as peri-articular soft tissue masses. Joint effusions, synovial thickening, bursal fluid collections, intra-articular loose bodies, ganglion cysts and articular surface erosions. Also as regard the cruciate and meniscal lesions, which when clinically suspected, MRI is preferably advised. The term “anterior knee pain” is often used interchangeably with “PFPS” or “runner’s knee.” PFPS can be defined as anterior knee pain involving the patella and retinaculum. AKP is the most common complaint of the knee joint, which can be secondary to a variety of etiologies. We have reviewed several of the most common causes of AKP, falling into five broad categories of diseases which are, Quadriceps tendon abnormalities including (quadriceps tendinopathy and quadriceps tendon tear). Patellar tendon abnormalities including (patellar tendinopathy and Osgood Schlatter disease).