Arrows show a complete ACL rupture in an 18-year-old male who had a knee injury while playing football. Image courtesy of Ali Ghasemi, MD, and RSNA.
One of the largest MRI-based studies comparing knee injuries between men and women reveals surprising differences in injury patterns based on gender and age. The findings can be used to improve risk assessment and develop early intervention strategies.
The study included 13,549 consecutive routine knee MRI exams performed between 2019 and 2024 at 4 outpatient radiology facilities affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital. The patients reported knee pain as their chief complaint. The researchers extracted the following features from radiology reports: tears in or injuries to the medial and lateral menisci, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament complex, and extensor mechanism or patellofemoral dislocation.
Analysis of the MRI reports revealed that specific injuries were observed more often in men compared to women, including ACL tears alone, ACL tear with medial meniscal tear, or ACL tear with lateral meniscal tear.
Men had a greater number of injuries overall. The researchers also found that meniscal and MCL tears occurred more frequently in men under 40 and among older women. The findings suggest that older women are more prone to injuries that lead to joint degeneration over time.
Recognizing the injury patterns may help radiologists and clinicians tailor imaging protocols, risk assessments, and early intervention strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
