This study considered the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of knee injuries in a district general hospital (DGH) setting. The principal objective was to identify whether the use of MRI had a major impact on the clinical management of patients presenting with chronic knee problems, in whom surgery was being considered, whether it reduced overall costs and whether it improved patient outcome.

In addition, the research:

1. explored the diagnostic accuracy of initial clinical investigation of the knee by an orthopaedic trainee, consultant knee specialist and consultant radiologist 2. considered the variability and diagnostic accuracy of interpretations of knee MRI investigations between radiologists 3. measured the strength of preference for the potential diagnostic/therapeutic impact of knee MRI (i.e. the avoidance of surgery).