Published online Nov 18, 2016. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v7.i11.731
Peer-review started: January 14, 2016
First decision: March 7, 2016
Revised: July 6, 2016
Accepted: August 17, 2016
Article in press: August 18, 2016
Published online: November 18, 2016
To determine whether three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to accurately detect a meniscal tear, and define the configuration.
Thirty-three patients’ 3T MRI scan data were collected and sagittal uni-planar 3D reconstructions performed from the preoperative MRI. There were 24 meniscal tears in 24 patients, and nine controls. All patients had arthroscopic corroboration of MRI findings. Two independent observers prospectively reported on all 33 reconstructions. Meniscal tear presence or absence was noted, and tear configuration subsequently categorised as either radial, bucket-handle, parrot beak, horizontal or complex.
Identification of control menisci or meniscal tear presence was excellent (Accuracy: observer 1 = 90.9%; observer 2 = 81.8%). Of the tear configurations, bucket handle tears were accurately identified (Accuracy observer 1 and 2 = 80%). The remaining tear configurations were not accurately discernable.
Uni-planar 3D reconstruction from 3T MRI knee scan sequences are useful in identifying normal menisci and menisci with bucket-handle tears. Advances in MRI sequencing and reconstruction software are awaited for accurate identification of the remaining meniscal tear configurations.
Core tip: Three-dimensional reconstruction from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an expanding field with potentially great clinical utility, but must be applied with caution when segmenting knee meniscal tears. Tear presence or absence, and the complex configuration of bucket handle tears were accurately distinguishable. The remaining tear configurations could not be correctly identified. Advances in MRI sequencing and reconstruction software need to be made before the remaining meniscal tear configurations will be identifiable.