Magnetic resonance imaging findings and associated factors among young adults with knee pain at three radiology centres in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint globally, yet there is limited data on the prevalence and specific MRI findings among the Ugandan population. This prospective study aimed to investigate MRI findings among young adults aged 18 to 40 years presenting with knee pain at three radiology centers in Uganda. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the MRI findings and associated factors among young adults with knee pain at three radiology centers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three radiology centers among 84 participants. Data collected was analysed using STATA version 15. Numerical data was summarized using means and standard deviations for normally distributed continuous variables, and medians and interquartile ranges for skewed continuous variables. Nominal data was summarized using proportions and percentages. Modified Poisson regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with pathological MRI findings. Results: A total of 84 participants with knee pain were recruited. The mean age was 29 years. Patients with joint effusion contributed 71(28.2%) cases, 61(24.3%) cases had meniscus injury and 56(22.3%) cases had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Most participants had a history of trauma 88.1%. Pathological MRI findings were significantly associated with clinical symptoms of knee swelling and stiffness. Conclusion and recommendations: This study has shown a high prevalence of knee MRI pathological changes in young adults. MRI of the knee joint is beneficial to young adults with traumatic injury and with the presence of clinical symptoms.