ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic performance of the three-dimensional turbo
spin-echo (3D TSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with the
performance of the standard two-dimensional turbo spin-echo (2D TSE)
protocol at 1.5 T, in the detection of meniscal and ligament tears.Materials and MethodsThirty-eight patients were imaged twice, first with a standard multiplanar 2D
TSE MR technique, and then with a 3D TSE technique, both in the same 1.5 T
MRI scanner. The patients underwent knee arthroscopy within the first three
days after the MRI. Using arthroscopy as the reference standard, we
determined the diagnostic performance and agreement.ResultsFor detecting anterior cruciate ligament tears, the 3D TSE and routine 2D TSE
techniques showed similar values for sensitivity (93% and 93%, respectively)
and specificity (80% and 85%, respectively). For detecting medial meniscal
tears, the two techniques also had similar sensitivity (85% and 83%,
respectively) and specificity (68% and 71%, respectively). In addition, for
detecting lateral meniscal tears, the two techniques had similar sensitivity
(58% and 54%, respectively) and specificity (82% and 92%, respectively).
There was a substantial to almost perfect intraobserver and interobserver
agreement when comparing the readings for both techniques.ConclusionThe 3D TSE technique has a diagnostic performance similar to that of the
routine 2D TSE protocol for detecting meniscal and anterior cruciate
ligament tears at 1.5 T, with the advantage of faster acquisition.