Magnetic resonance imaging is an accepted nonivasive modality for evaluatioin of soft tissue pathology without exposure to ionizing radiation. The purpose of this study is to determine the utility of the magnetic resonance imaging compared with the physical examination of the chronic intraarticular knee pathology as documented at the time of the arthroscope. From Dec. 1988 to Nov. 1989, 41 cases of chronic intra-articular pathology were examined by both physical examination and MRI, and compared with their findings of the arthoscope. We used 1.5 Tesla magnetic scanners (General electrics) to obtain MR imagings. All images were obtained on the same high-resolution 1.5 Tesla GE magnetic resonance scanner with the same radiologist performing all readings. The meniscus were described as having Grade 1, 2 or 3 chnges, with Grode 3 reserved for complete tear. Using arthroscopy as the diagnostic standard, we obtained the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of both physical examination and MRI. with paired sample test, there was not statistically significant difference between the physical examination and MRI. Although the MRI scan is a highly accurate, noninvasive modality for documentation of meniscal pathology as well as cruciate ligament tears in the knee, we thought that the use of the MRI should be limited selectively.