CORRELATION OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS WITH ARTHROSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KNEE PAIN – IS WAIT FOR A MRI SCAN JUSTIFIED IN A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL SETTING ?

Abstract

The average wait for a MRI Scan of the knee for an elective knee complaint is 12–18 months. This has a vast impact on family economy and quality of life considering the affected patients are young. We retrospectively reviewed 85 knee arthroscopies performed by a single surgeon during a one year period. We correlated the arthroscopy findings with the provisional diagnosis made in the clinic. There were 49 males and 36 females. The average wait for surgery was 4.6 months.The diagnosis was correct in 49 (60%), correct with additional findings in 18 (20%) and incorrect in 18 (20%). In a district general hospital setting where acces to MR Scan is difficult with a long waiting time, physical examination is reliable and arthroscopy can be performed after informed consent.