Multiplanar reconstruction in MR imaging of the knee

PURPOSE: To compare standard MR sagittal and coronal imaging of the knee with the MR technique of finer sagittal imaging and subsequent reconstruction in any plane. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients took part in the study. Two radiologists each made two independent interpretations in every case, based on images of: a) 4-mm sagittal and coronal slices; and b) 1.2-mm sagittal slices with subsequent reconstruction. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in diagnostic efficacy between the two MR techniques. The reconstruction in any desired plane involved a potential reduction of 10 min in examination time but an increase of approximately 20 min in postprocessing time. CONCLUSION: The use of multiplanar reconstruction offered no additional diagnostic value and no saving of time.