Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is gaining acceptance as the diagnostic imaging procedure of choice for the disorders of the knee. MRI can reliably display tears of the menisci and ligaments. It also has an unmatched capability of detecting and assessing a wide spectrum of knee disorders that may be present as nonspecific knee pain: osteonecrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, stress fracture, bone and soft-tissue tumors, and vascular abnormalities. Practicing orthopedists should become better acquainted with this powerful diagnostic tool that can be an invaluable asset to their clinical practices.