MRI of the knee cost-efffective use

Vincken, P.W.J.

Vincken, P.W.J. (2010)

MRI of the knee cost-efffective use

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis describes the cost-effictiveness study and several substudies, using the same patient population. In chapter 2 we assessed the effectiveness of MR imaging in selecting patients with nonacute knee symptoms for arthroscopy of the knee. In chapter 3 we discuss effectiveness and costs of MR imaging triaging these patients. In chapter 4 we determine in patients with nonacute knee symptoms and normal standardized physical examination the fraction of MR imaging studies showing arthroscopically treatable intraarticular pathology, thus evaluating whether one safely can refrain from MR imaging. In chapter 5 we discuss whether radiographs are needed when MR imaging is performed for nonacute knee symptoms anyway. The impact of bone bruise on presentation and short term course of knee complaints and the relation between bone bruise and (peri-)articular derangement is assessed in chapter 6.