MRI vs. Arthroscopy : Diagnostic accuracy in anterior cruciate ligament injuries – An analytical study of 42

Background : Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common issue in orthopedic trauma, particularly in sports medicine, affecting knee stability and overall quality of life. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopy. Methods : A retrospective and analytic study was conducted at the University Hospital Center (UHC) Mohammed VI in Oujda, from January 2019 to June 2024, involving 42 patients who underwent both MRI and arthroscopy for suspected ACL ruptures the aim of evaluate the diagnostic concordance between MRI and arthroscopy for ACL injuries. Results : The prevalence of ACL ruptures on MRI was 97.62%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 95.24%. The sensitivity of MRI for ACL ruptures was 97.56%, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97.56%. This significantly indicate that MRI and Arthroscopy show a high level of concordance in diagnosing ACL injuries. However, arthroscopy provides a more precise analysis of the lesion type, distinguishing better between complete and partial ruptures. Conclusion : MRI is highly accurate for diagnosing ACL ruptures, though arthroscopy provides more detailed information about the injury. Timing differences between MRI and surgery may influence diagnostic results, suggesting that temporal factors should be considered when interpreting MRI findings.