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Traumatic injury to the knee remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been applied to musculoskeletal pathoa natomy and has been shown to be an effective tool for definition and characterization of knee pathology. A systematic approach is taken to establish anatomical and pathoanatomical correlations, as well as the role of MRI in the management of knee injuries.Imaging was performed at the UCLA Medical Center using a permanent magnet system and a combination of solenoidal surface coils and thin-section, high-reso lution scanning techniques. Images depict structural anatomical and spatial details of the knee that correlate well with corresponding cadaveric cryosections. To determine pathoanatomical correlations and the effi cacy of MRI, 105 patients with preoperative diagnoses of meniscal tears, anterior and posterior cruciate liga ment tears, tibial plateau fracture, and patella and quad riceps injuries were imaged.Results indicated that for the medial meniscus MRI demonstrated a 95.7% sensitivity, 81.8% specificity, 90% accuracy, 88.2% positive predictive value (PPV), and 93.1 % negative predictive value (NPV). Imaging of the lateral meniscus demonstrated a 75% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 91 % accuracy, 80% PPV, and 94% NPV. MRI of the ACL revealed 100% sensitivity, spec ificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values. MRI is a noninvasive tool which uses no ionizing radiation and can accurately define and characterize anatomy and pathoanatomy. This study indicates that MRI in conjunction with clinical evaluation can contrib ute to treatment decision-making processes and assist in preoperative planning. An algorithm demonstrating the potential clinical use of MRI is presented.

This study retrospectively examines 186 patients treated for roller skating-related injuries.The average patient age was 25.3 years, with males comprising 44% and females 56% of the patients. Of the 202 injuries, there were 130 fractures and 72 soft tissue injuries. The majority of the injuries involved the wrist (47%), while the elbow ranked second (14%) and the ankle third (10%). All fractures of the tibia- fibula and ankle involved a rotational mechanism, with 75% of ankle fractures involving the posterior malleo lus. Ankle fractures accounted for 46% of all surgical cases.Although inexperienced skaters were involved in 77% of all accidents, experienced skaters' injuries required surgery twice as often. Female roller skaters were more frequently injured, but males had three times more operations. Over 90% of the skaters wore no protection. Skaters who seldom participated in other sports had a higher probability of being injured earlier, especially on their first try.This study indicates that roller skating injuries are influenced by skating experience, surface texture, skate type and quality, and protective equipment.