Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detection of knee cartilage lesions using Receiver Operating Characteristic curves

Abstract

Abstract Medical treatment, and especially surgical procedures, is carefully planned and executed based on various diagnostic methods. Physical examination provides preliminary information about the patient’s health; however, when orthopaedic surgery is concerned, more accurate radiological evaluation is necessary. MRI is perceived as a state-of-the-art radiological modality. In this study, we have evaluated MRI efficiency in detecting chondral lesions in the knee joint requiring surgical treatment. The evaluation of selected diagnostic methods used in the assessment of joint cartilage damage was carried out based on statistical indicators and ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves. The indicators were determined using Statistica and Matlab software. 95. patients underwent knee arthroscopy subsequently after performing MRI for various intraarticular lesions. Chondral lesions estimated with the use of the ICRS scale were divided into two groups, one requiring surgical treatment ICRS grade 3-4, and selected for conservative treatment ICRS grade 0-2. Results were evaluated with the use of ROC curves. MFC was the most common lesion site, where chondral lesions requiring surgical intervention were found in nearly 50% of patients. LTC was affected only in 9 patients, which was the rarest location for chondral lesions. The diagnostic efficiency for each anatomical location was evaluated. The highest diagnostic accuracy was found on MFC followed by LTC. The lowest diagnostic accuracy was found for PFJ. The AUC ranged from 0.8438 for MFC to 0.55 for PFJ. LFC and MTC showed similar accuracy with AUC respectively 0.6419 and 0. 6623. To sum up, MRI is a gold standard for cartilage evaluation, however, its accuracy differs among various anatomical locations, therefore requires a thorough assessment prior to surgical planning.