Knee MRI Oblique Views

I have resisted "dumping" a coronal oblique sequence from my standard protocol. I feel that techs can perform this sequence more reliably than the sagittal oblique. Here is an article that reports either oblique plane is effective in increasing diagnostic accuracy of ACL injury. I'm going to stick with the coronal oblique. (Which oblique plane is more helpful in diadnosing ACL tear? Clin Radiol 2009:64(March):291-297)

Blog Goal

I envision this blog as a vehicle to share vignettes of imaging information and interesting cases that I encounter daily. I hope that they may be helpful to radiologists in training. Please share your thoughts, questions, and cases. - Dr Miller

The "Tangent Sign"

You may find this sign helpful in assessing significant supraspinatus muscle atrophy via MRI. On your selected T1 SE parasagittal image draw a tangent connecting the tips of the spine of the scapula and acromion process. If muscle mass extends above the tangent: positive sign. If muscle mass lies below the tangent: negative sign. A negative tangent sign indicates significant supraspinatus atrophy. Reference: Invest Rad (1998)163-170.