Learning objectives
Study the different causes of anterior knee pain describing their MR imaging findings.
Background
Lesions of any components of the anatomic anterior compartment of the knee may contribute to anterior knee pain.
These conditions include: lesions of the extensor mechanism and soft tissue lesions around it,
cartilaginous lesions,
patello-femoral joint lesions and intramedullary abnormalities of the knee.
Table 1.
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
1.
EXTENSOR MECHANISM:
The primary structures of the extensor mechanism are shown in the below drawing.
PATELLAR AND QUADRICEPS TENDONS:
The patellar tendon originates in the inferior pole of the patella and inserts distally onto the anterior tibial tubercle.
On MR imaging has a low signal intensity in all pulse sequences although due to the “magic angle” phenomenon,
the proximal patellar tendon may have not low signal and exhibit localized hyperintensity,
specially its posterior fibers,
resulting in false positive findings.
The quadriceps tendon is a...
Conclusion
Many factors may cause anterior knee pain and MRI is the best non ionizing imaging technique for establishing an accurate diagnosis of the anterior knee pathology.
It also allows to know the extent of the lesion and its severity,
what will be necessary to decide appropiate treatment.
References
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Richardson MRI of Hoffa´s fat pad.
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Quadriceps fat pad signal intensity and enlargement on MRI: prevalence and associated findings.
AJR...
