ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Trauma to the Knee

Acute trauma to the knee is a common presentation seen in the emergency department. After a routine clinical examination, imaging is frequently performed to facilitate the diagnosis and almost always starts with radiographs. If clinically indicated, advanced cross-sectional imaging may then be performed for further evaluation. CT is often performed for preoperative planning of the complex tibial plateau and distal femur fractures. Currently, MRI is the study of choice for evaluation of bone marrow, internal derangements, and other soft-tissue injuries about the knee joint. In patients with knee dislocations, MR angiography may be performed simultaneously with MRI for evaluation of internal derangements and vascular injuries with less morbidity compared to conventional angiography.