Avascular Necrosis of The Femoral Head. Imaging Evaluation by MRI: A Retrospective Study in The Kurdistan Region of Iraq

BACKGROUND: Knee joint pain is considered one of the leading causes of morbidity and disability throughout all age groups. Its variable pathogenesis, ranging from minor injuries to various disease processes, necessitates precise evaluation. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of knee joint lesions using magnetic resonance imaging to characterize various types of traumatic and non-traumatic conditions leading to the joint pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 900 patients referred to the radiology departments of major medical centers in Duhok city over a period of 26 months. MRI scans were performed on patients of different age groups and both sexes using Samsung 1.5 Tesla MRI scanners. The evaluation of different causes of knee joint pain was performed by the referring specialists, examined by the globally proved gold standard radiological method (MRI), data from                 the resulting investigations collected and analysed. RESULTS: The age group most affected by knee pathology was between 21-30 years for both genders. The most common knee pathologies observed were synovial fluid effusion, meniscal injury, bone lesions, and ACL injuries. Horizontal tears were the most frequent type of tears observed in both menisci. Grade 3 tears were more prevalent in the medial menisci, while grade 2 tears were more prevalent in                      the lateral menisci. Partial tears were the frequent findings in the cruciate and collateral ligaments. Degenerative joint changes were the most common additional MRI findings, followed by joint infectious changes. Baker's cysts were the most frequent cystic lesions followed by parameniscal cysts. Bony enchondroma was the more frequently observed   joint related tumor, followed by chondroblastoma. CONCLUSION: Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an extremely useful imaging modality for evaluating changes in the knee joint. It provides valuable information to the referring orthopedic surgeon for planning                      the course of treatment, whether it is conservative management or surgery.