Early magnetic resonance imaging in acute knee injury: a cost analysis

Abstract

PURPOSE: Acute knee injury is common, and MRI is often only used when non-operative management fails because of limited availability. We investigated whether early MRI in acute knee injury is more clinically and cost-effective compared to conventional physiotherapy and reassessment. METHODS: All patients with acute indirect soft tissue knee injury referred to fracture clinic were approached. Recruited patients were randomised to either the MRI group: early MRI within 2 weeks or the control group: conventional management with physiotherapy. Patients were assessed in clinic initially, at 2 weeks and 3 months post-injury. Management costs were calculated for all patients until surgical treatment or discharge. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were recruited: 23 in the MRI and 23 in the control group. Male sex and mean age were similar in the two groups. The total management cost of the MRI group was £16,127 and control group was £16,170, with a similar mean cost per patient (NS). The MRI group had less mean physiotherapy (2.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.1 ± 3.5, p < 0.01) and outpatient appointments (NS). Median time to surgery and time off work was less in the MRI group (NS). The MRI group had less pain (p < 0.05), less activity limitation (p = 0.04) and better satisfaction (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Early MRI in acute knee injury facilitates faster diagnosis and management of internal derangement at a cost comparable to conventional treatment. Moreover, patients had significantly less time off work with improved pain, activity limitation and satisfaction scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.