MR Imaging diagnosis of sporting related bone contusion of the knee joint

Objective To investigate MR imaging features and diagnostic value of sporting related bone contusion of the knee joint.Methods Thirty-two cases of abnormal marrow signal in MRI but without fracture in knee in X-ray plain film were respectively analyzed.Results Forty-five lesions of bone contusion were identified in total 32 cases.12 cases with ligament and 5 cases with meniscus inujres,2 cases with cartilage injures.The bone contusions in MRI can be divided into 3 types: Type I(11 cases),patch-like,map-like abnormal signals in metaphyses and diaphyses near knee joint with obscure boundary;Type II(5 cases),resemble Type I,but accompany discontinunance of cortical bone;Type III(13 cases),localized abnormal signals under cortical bone.Conclusion MR depicts the pathologic changes in bone contusion of knee joints,can accurately display the location and area of the knee joint as well as its adjunctive strunctive injury;hence it is the most effective means for the diagnosis of bone contusion of knee joints.