Reliability and Accuracy of MRI in Orthopedics: A Survey of Its Use and Perceived Limitations

Over the past decade, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic tool has been increasing significantly in various fields of medicine due to its wide array of applications. As a result, its diagnostic efficacy and reliability come into question. Specifically, in the field of orthopedics, there has been little discussion on the problems many physicians face while using MRIs in practice. To gauge the perceived limitations of MRI, we designed a decision analysis to analyze the utility of MRIs and estimate the number of inconclusive MRIs ordered within an orthopedic practice to explore potential alternative avenues of diagnosis. A survey of 100 board-certified practicing orthopedic surgeons given at 2 national conferences was designed to assess the value, reliability, and diagnostic utility of MRIs in preoperative planning in shoulder and knee surgery. Of those surveyed, 93% reported that there was believed to be a problem with the accuracy of an MRI in the setting of a prior surgery and/or if previous hardware was present specifically pertaining to the knee or shoulder. The most common indications of concern regarding knee or shoulder MRI reliability among this sample group were previous patient hardware (19%), a previous surgery (16%), and a chondral defect (11%). In addition, when asked how many MRIs were believed to be inconclusive based on previous surgery/hardware alone in the last 6 months of practice, an average of 19 inconclusive MRIs was reported. This study summarizes some of the concerns of MRI use in the orthopedic community and attempts to add a unique perspective on the attitudes, decision-making, and apparent economic problems that they face as well as uncover specific instances where MRIs were determined to be unreliable and incomplete in aiding the diagnosis and treatment algorithm.