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RADIOLOGY
Imaging Utility of Knee Auckland Radiology Group Thanks to Auckland Radiology Group for the content which in this edition is provided by Dr David Dow.
Ultrasound offers high-spatial resolution imaging of superficial knee anatomy.
The extensor mechanism of the knee is a superficial structure which can be reliably interrogated with ultrasound.
Correlation with radiographs is routinely recommended at the time of ultrasound. Radiographic review of quadriceps and patella tendon outlines, ossification/ mineralisation within tendons and osseous pathology at tendon attachments improves ultrasound interpretation.
Pathological entities which can be identified at ultrasound include: •
Quadriceps and patella tendon tears and tendinosis
•
Prepatellar and infrapatellar bursitis
•
Paediatric/adolescent entities of Sinding Larsen Johansson and Osgood Schlatter syndromes
•
Popliteal cyst (Baker's cyst)
Intra articular structures such as the cruciate ligaments, menisci and cartilage cannot be accurately assessed with ultrasound and the modality offers limited evaluation of the medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral structures. Assessment of these structures are best achieved with MRI.
Fig. 1: Normal extensor mechanism anatomy https://radiologykey.com/imaging-of-the-knee CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
