ObjectiveTo study the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relations expression and its clinical significance of anatomy relationship of the lateral meniscus and inferior genicular artery. MethodsSeventyeight patients with knee disease were performed with MRI examination. With coronal hamstring layer as a starting point, 5-7 levels ahead were measured, and horizontal and vertical distances between inferior genicular artery and the lateral meniscus were detected, and compared with cadaveric anatomy. Their MRI imaging manifestations and diagnostic value were assessed. ResultsInferior genicular arteries of 78 patients were detected by MRI in relatively fixed track, and generally consistent with the detection of knee joint specimens; In popliteal tendon layer, 97.4% (76/78) of inferior genicular arteries began to get close to the lateral meniscus, on below or the lower edge, with an average distance of 1.5mm (0-5 mm); As level moved forward, the knee artery was close to the body of the meniscus after walking forward along the lower back; In body position in meniscus anterior, 88.5% (69/78) of inferior genicular arteries were located in the middle and above of lateral meniscus; In the anterior horn of the meniscus and fat pad position, 100% (78/78) of inferior genicular arteries were placed above the lateral meniscus, and the average distance was 8.5mm (1-15 mm); In the lateral meniscus body, the average level distance of inferior genicular artery from the lateral meniscus was 0.7mm (0-3 mm). ConclusionDistance from inferior genicular artery to the lateral meniscus body is very close. It deserves a high attention during arthroscopic operation to avoid damage to infer ior genicular artery, hence to decrease the occurrence of complication.

• ref