Introduction and purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging is frequently used in the diagnosis of knee conditions. We carried out a retrospective study to assess the correlation that exists between MRI and arthroscopic findings during diagnosis of meniscal and cartilage lesions. Arthroscopy is considered the ‘gold standard.’

Materials and methods: Between January 2006 and February 2007 we studied 72 patients with clinical symptoms compatible with pathological meniscal conditions. We carried out one MRI and subsequently performed arthroscopy. Mean age of the patients was 49 years (range: 10–77), 38 were men (53%) and 34 women (47%). We assessed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI using 4 lesion locations: medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, patellofemoral cartilage, tibiofemoral cartilage (both compartments together).

Results: Diagnostic correlation was seen to be: 85.9% for the medial meniscus (sensitivity 96%, specificity 62%, PPV 86%, NPV 87%); for the lateral meniscus 81.25% (sensitivity 87%, specificity 95%, PPV 81%, NPV 96%); for the patellofemoral cartilage 68.2% (sensitivity 68%, specificity 93%, PPV 93%, NPV 65%) and for the tibiofemoral cartilage 36.8% (sensitivity 63%, specificity 98%, PPV 87.5%, NPV 81%).

Conclusions: Greater correlation is seen in the case of meniscal lesions than in the case of chondropathies. With reference to meniscal lesions MRI shows greater sensitivity in lesions of the medial meniscus and greater specificity in lesions of the lateral meniscus. A normal MRI rules out, with a high degree of certainty, any meniscal injury, but if the MRI shows abnormalities, this does not mean that there is actually a lesion. On the other hand, an MRI that does not show cartilage lesions has a high probability of error; there may well be grade I or II chondropathies, especially those that are incipient and difficult to detect. If the MRI shows cartilage abnormalities, the lesion is sure to exist, although MRI staging does not usually coincide with arthroscopic findings, especially in the case of incipient lesions.

Introduction and Objectives: Fractures of the proximal third of the humerus represent 4–5% of all fractures in our area. About 80–85% can be treated conservatively, though there is controversy over the best method treatment for complex fractures. The aim of our study is to analyse the results of treatment of these fractures by means of biarticular arthroplasty.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 29 patients: 17 females and 12 males, with a mean age of 73.5 years, all of whom suffered complex fractures of the head of the humerus and were treated between the years 1995 and 2002. Minimum clinical follow-up time was 1 year. Patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically using the test of Constant, Swanson, and UCLA.

Results: One case developed a deep infection, which required removal of the arthroplasty and one case require replacement due to recurrent dislocation. Mean pain values measured on the RVA scale were 1.7 out of 10. Range of motion was limited compared to the contra-lateral shoulder. Mean Constant function index was 61.6 points, with a mean weighted Constant value of 90.8%.

Discussion and Conclusions: Biarticular prosthetic replacement offers good results in treatment of complex fractures of the proximal humerus, resulting in a shoulder that is non-painful though somewhat limited in strength and mobility. Best results are achieved in younger patients.