Magnetic resonance imaging findings of surgically proven medial meniscus root tear: tear configuration and associated knee abnormalities

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of medial meniscal root tear and the correlation of medial meniscal root tear with other associated knee abnormalities. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed preoperative magnetic resonance images of 39 patients with arthroscopically confirmed medial meniscal root tear. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were retrospectively reviewed by 2 experienced musculoskeletal radiologists for consensus. We evaluated the configuration of meniscal root tear and the other associated knee abnormalities on MRI for direct correlation with arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: At arthroscopy, there were 36 radial tears and 3 complex tears involving the medial meniscal posterior horn roots. All 36 radial tears could be correctly diagnosed by MRI, with findings showing ghost sign on sagittal images in 100% (36/36), vertical linear defect on coronal images in 100% (36/36), and radial linear defect on axial image in 94% (34/36). However, all 3 complex tears were misdiagnosed as radial tears on MRI. Medial meniscal root tears displayed a strong association with degenerative joint disease in 97% (38/39). Medial meniscal root tears were also found in association with cartilage defects of the medial femoral condyle and medial meniscal extrusions (> or =3 mm) in 89% (34/38) and 67% (26/39), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medial meniscal root tears were usually posterior horn root radial tear. A high association with degenerative joint disease, cartilage defects of the medial femoral condyle, and medial meniscal extrusions (>/=3 mm) were also noted.     

Magnetic resonance diagnosis of meniscal tears in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament tears

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal tear in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament tears. METHODS: Magnetic resonance images obtained from 41 patients imaged within 6 weeks of injury who had acute anterior cruciate ligament tears identified at arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed for meniscal tear. RESULTS: With MR imaging the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for diagnosing meniscal tears in the presence of acute anterior cruciate ligament tears were 71%, 93%, and 88%; for the lateral meniscal tears were 57%, 100% and 85%; and for the medial meniscal tears were 100%, 88%, 90%. All false negative cases (n = 6) involved the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. CONCLUSION: In the presence of acute anterior cruciate ligament tears, MRI imaging has relatively low sensitivity for detecting meniscal tears due to missed tears in the lateral meniscus.     

Association of peripheral vertical meniscal tears with anterior cruciate ligament tears

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe a type of meniscal tear seen on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the peripheral vertical tear, and to determine the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in knees with this type of meniscal tear compared to knees with other types of meniscal tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of 200 knee MR examinations with imaging diagnoses of 'meniscal tear' was performed to assess the location and morphology of the meniscal tear, and to assess the status of the ACL. RESULTS: Nineteen peripheral vertical meniscal tears were identified in 17 patients, 14 of whom had acute ACL tears, prior ACL reconstruction, or chronic ACL deficiency. Three peripheral vertical tears were seen in the setting of a normal ACL. Of the 183 examinations with other types of meniscal tears, there were 17 cases with acute ACL tears, prior ACL reconstruction, or chronic ACL deficiency. The difference in the prevalence of ACL tear, reconstruction, or deficiency in knees with meniscal tears of the peripheral vertical type (82.4%) compared with the prevalence of ACL tear, reconstruction, or deficiency in knees with other types of meniscal tears (9.3%) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The calculated specificity of the presence of peripheral vertical tear morphology in detecting an ACL injury in patients with meniscal tears was 98.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral vertical meniscal tears, particularly when involving the posterior horn, are highly associated with ACL tear, deficiency, or reconstruction. The finding of this type of tear on knee MR imaging should prompt close inspection of the ACL for evidence of acute or chronic injury, and its presence may help make the diagnosis of ACL tear in equivocal cases.     

Repair of locked bucket-handle meniscal tears in knees with chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency

BACKGROUND: Large bucket-handle meniscal tears in knees with chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency have been considered avascular and, thus, irreparable. HYPOTHESIS: The rate of meniscal healing is higher than previously reported. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients underwent staged surgical procedures of meniscal repair followed at an average of 77 +/- 58 days by ligament reconstruction once full range of motion was obtained. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with 55 meniscal repairs were available for follow-up. At reconstruction, 30 menisci (55%) appeared healed; 19 (34%), partially healed; and 6 (11%) showed no healing (only 4 were removed). Of 43 tears in the white-on-white zone, 21 appeared healed; 17, partially healed; and 5 showed no healing. Of 11 in the red-on-white zone, 8 appeared healed; 2, partially healed; and 1 showed no healing. One meniscal tear in the red-on-red zone appeared healed. At an average follow-up of 4.3 +/- 3.1 years, 36 of the 43 (83.7%) white-on-white meniscal repairs remained asymptomatic; all repairs in the other zones remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Locked bucket-handle meniscal tears heal at a high rate when repaired as an isolated procedure, even when full weightbearing and activity before reconstruction is allowed and when the tear is in the white-on-white zone.     

膝关节半月板损伤的MRI与关节镜对照研究

目的评价MRI在膝关节半月板撕裂诊断和评级中的价值。方法参照Mesgarzadeh标准对76位患者78个撕裂半月板的MR影像作回顾性分析,3位MRI主治医师在不知道关节镜检查结果的情况下独自阅片,按Mesgarzadeh的分级标准确定半月板撕裂的类型并记录评定结果,包括联合的前交叉韧带撕裂。结果MRI诊断半月板撕裂的敏感性和特异性分别为92%和87%,Ⅵ型是半月板撕裂中最常见的类型,尤其在发生移位的半月板撕裂中最常见。结论MRI是半月板撕裂伤和交叉韧带损伤的可靠诊断工具。     

Imaging evaluation of meniscal injury of the knee joint: a comparative MR imaging and arthroscopic study

To evaluate the efficacy of MR imaging in the diagnosis and classification of meniscal tear of the knee joint, we retrospectively characterized the MR features of 78 meniscal tears in 148 patients according to the Mesgarzadeh's criteria. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity for meniscal tears were 92% and 87%, respectively. Type VI meniscal tear was the most common type, especially in displaced meniscal tear. MR is a reliable diagnostic tool for meniscal tears and associated cruciate ligament injury.     

Prospective evaluation of 1485 meniscal tear patterns in patients with stable knees

BACKGROUND: Despite emphasis on classifying meniscal tears based on healing potential of the tear, research has concentrated on unstable knees, and few reports have provided information regarding associated clinical variables in stable knees. PURPOSE: To report on a large series of meniscal tears in stable knees that have been carefully mapped by tear shape and tear zones to allow comparison with meniscal tears in unstable knees. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series, reviewed retrospectively. METHODS: A total of 1485 meniscal tears in stable knees were evaluated. Preoperatively, each patient underwent a standardized assessment. Each tear was carefully mapped at arthroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed to determine factors that may be associated with peripheral meniscal tears. RESULTS: The distribution and shape of tears varied significantly within the radial and circumferential zones in this stable knee population. Five prospective variables were associated with peripheral tears: gender, presence of an effusion, positive McMurray test, varus alignment, or a loss of extension more than 5 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Patient demographic information and physical examination can be useful in identifying patients who may have a peripheral meniscus tear.     

How I diagnose meniscal tears on knee MRI

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this article is to summarize the literature about the diagnosis of meniscal tears on MRI including the normal appearance of the meniscus and the appearance of the various types of meniscal tears. In addition, I discuss my experience with the causes of errors in the MR diagnosis of meniscal abnormalities and the nuances of meniscal abnormalities that can mimic a meniscal tear. CONCLUSION: MRI is a highly accurate imaging method for diagnosing meniscal tears. To avoid errors in diagnosing meniscal tears, those interpreting MR examinations of the knee need to be aware of the attachments of the menisci and the normal variations in meniscal anatomy that may resemble a meniscal tear. In addition, by being aware of the patterns of meniscal tears, it is easier to diagnose the less common tears.     

MR imaging of meniscal cysts: incidence, location, and clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of medial versus lateral meniscal cysts as seen on MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2572 knee MR imaging reports were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of meniscal tears and cysts. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed all images with reported cysts. The type and location of meniscal tear and the presence and location of meniscal cysts were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1402 meniscal tears were reported in 2572 MR examinations (922 [66%] of 1402 in the medial compartment; 480 [34%] of 1402 in the lateral compartment). Meniscal cysts were present in 109 (4%) of 2572 knees. Of the 109 cysts, 72 (66%) were in the medial compartment, and 37 (34%) were in the lateral compartment. Meniscal cysts were found in association with 72 (7.8%) of the 922 medial meniscal tears and 37 (7.7%) of the 480 lateral meniscal tears. Meniscal cysts showed direct contact with an adjacent meniscal tear in 107 (98%) of 109 cases, with the tear showing a horizontal component in 96 (90%) of 107 cases. CONCLUSION: Meniscal cysts occur almost twice as often in the medial compartment as in the lateral compartment. Medial and lateral tears occur with the same frequency. These findings, when viewed in the context of the historical literature on meniscal cysts, suggest that MR imaging detects a greater number of medial meniscal cysts than physical examination or arthroscopy, and that MR imaging can have an important impact on surgical treatment of patients.     

Central osteophytes in the knee: prevalence and association with cartilage defects on MR imaging

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and location of central osteophytes in patients referred for MR imaging of the knee and the relationship of central osteophytes to articular cartilage defects, marginal osteophytes, meniscal tears, and anterior cruciate ligament tears as seen on MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients referred for MR imaging of the knee were evaluated for central osteophytes, articular cartilage defects, marginal osteophytes, meniscal tears, and anterior cruciate ligament tears. A 1.5-T scanner was used, and assessments were made by consensus of two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Seven patients were excluded, leaving 193 patients in the study population. RESULTS: The prevalence of central osteophytes in the knee was 15% (35 central osteophytes in 29 patients). Patients with central osteophytes were older (mean age, 52 years versus 38 years), weighed more (mean weight, 204 lb [92 kg] versus 174 lb [78 kg]), had more articular cartilage defects (mean, 4.3 versus 1.3), and had more marginal osteophytes (mean, 3.9 versus 1.1) than patients without central osteophytes (p < 0.0001, Student's t test). Patients with central osteophytes were more likely to have a meniscal tear (p = 0.004, chi-square test), but they were not more likely to have an anterior cruciate ligament tear. All central osteophytes were associated with articular cartilage defects at the same location, which were full or near-full thickness on MR imaging for 32 of 35 central osteophytes. CONCLUSION: Central osteophytes are common in patients referred for MR imaging of the knee. When central osteophytes are seen in the knee there is a high likelihood of an associated full thickness or near-full thickness articular cartilage defect.     

MR findings of meniscal extrusion correlated with arthroscopy

PURPOSE: To correlate MR exams showing meniscal extrusions >3 mm beyond the tibial margin with arthroscopic findings. Meniscal extrusion (> 3 mm extension beyond the tibial margin) has been described on previous studies as having a high index of association with meniscal root tears. These previous studies were limited by a lack of exact arthroscopic correlation. We also assessed the prevalence of meniscal root tears on MR examinations without meniscal extrusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 300 consecutive knee MR exams of patients who went on to arthroscopy. All patients had a complete MR exam performed on a 3T GE MR scanner. MR exams were reviewed for medial meniscal extrusion > 3 mm from the tibial margin. The exams with medial meniscal extrusion were reviewed for meniscal tears on MR exam. The exams without meniscal extrusion were reviewed for meniscal root tears. Results were subsequently correlated with arthroscopy. RESULTS: Of the 300 MR exams, 42 demonstrated medial meniscal extrusion >3 mm from the tibial margin. Of these 42 patients, 34 had meniscal degeneration, complex tear, or a large radial tear near to or involving the meniscal root on MR examination. A total of 33 of these tears described on MR exam were seen at arthroscopy. A total of 24 of these tears were root tears, seven were complex tears, and two had severe meniscal degeneration. There was one root tear described on MR exam that was not seen on arthroscopy. Eight of the 42 patients had no meniscal tear demonstrated on MR examination or arthroscopy. All eight of these patients were > or = 50 years old. There were two meniscal root tears on both MR exam and at arthroscopy in the 258 patients without meniscal extrusion on MR exam. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of meniscal root tears in patients with meniscal extrusion on MR exam. Meniscal root tears are uncommon in patients without meniscal extrusion on MR exam. There may be a subset of patients in which the meniscal root is stretched rather than torn. Medial meniscal extrusion in patients > 50 years old may be associated with a meniscal "stretch" injury due to degeneration of the meniscus without a meniscal tear detectable on arthroscopy. These menisci may have increased laxity due to compromised meniscal collagen fibers. This may predispose the patient to premature osteoarthritis.     

Medial and lateral meniscal tear patterns in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. A prospective analysis of 575 tears

We used our database to evaluate the locations of meniscal tears associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Five hundred seventy-five meniscal tears were seen in 476 patients. Each tear was categorized prospectively according to the side (medial/lateral), the radial zone of the tear, and the circumferential zone of the tear. The different tear locations were then compared for the medial and lateral menisci and evaluated for statistical significance. We found a nearly equal number of tears on the medial (305) and lateral (270) sides. A significantly greater number of tears on the medial side as compared with the lateral side were posterior (99.4% versus 87.8%) and peripheral (75.4% versus 44.1%). Peripheral posterior horn tears of the medial meniscus were the most common type of tear (230 of 575, 40%) by a statistically significant amount.     

Future directions in meniscal surgery

Despite the considerable technological advances in arthroscopic surgery in the past decade, it is of concern that meniscal repair is not being done in many cases where the meniscus tear is reparable and the patient, if properly informed, would desire it.There is accumulating evidence that the long-term benefits of meniscal repair significantly outweigh those of partial meniscectomy. But success must be tempered by looking at longer follow-up assessments than we are accustomed to doing.DeHaven found that the average time between surgery and failure was 4 years, in a study averaging 11 years of follow-up. Meniscal repairs in isolated tears of the meniscus are significantly less successful than repairs of meniscal tears associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. There is evidence that isolated meniscal tears in ACL-stable knees occur in menisci that are significantly more degenerated compared with menisci having tears associated with ACL disruption. Improved techniques of meniscal repair include the abrasion of both sides of the tear site, the use of increased numbers of vertically oriented nonabsorbable sutures, the insertion of a fibrin clot into the tear site, and the development of completely inside-the-knee suturing techniques. In the future, meniscal repair will become simpler and faster to perform. As a result, more meniscal repairs will be attempted. Over the next decade, we will see increasing research in the role of meniscal allografts and collagen (or other material) substitutes for the meniscus in patients with segmental defects or complete loss of the meniscus.     

Meniscal tear characteristics in young athletes with a stable knee: arthroscopic evaluation

BACKGROUND: There has been great interest in the literature regarding meniscal tears in unstable knees, but there is not as much information available on stable knees. PURPOSE: To report the characteristics of isolated meniscal tears (type and location) in athletes with intact cruciate ligaments. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Arthroscopic surgery was performed on 314 (83.1%) knees in the acute phase ( < 6 weeks) of injury and on 64 (16.9%) knees more than 6 weeks after injury for a total of 364 athletes (378 knees). Cooper's classification was used to classify the meniscal tears according to the type and location. RESULTS: Overall, 262 of 378 tears (69.3%) were located in the medial meniscus and 116 (30.7%) in the lateral meniscus. Vertical tears (77.5%) were significantly more frequent than were horizontal tears (22.5%; chi(2) test, P < .001). A total of 23.2% of tears involved the peripheral zones (zone 0 or 1), and tears that extended into the posterior horn accounted for 75.7%. Regarding the tear shape between male and female athletes, on both sides there were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of horizontal, bucket-handle, longitudinal, or radial tears. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of isolated meniscal tears differ with regard to the sport, sex, and tear location and type from those seen in unstable knees. This knowledge is useful in knee injury management.     

Contribution of thin-slice (1 mm) axial proton density MR images for identification and classification of meniscal tears: correlative study with arthroscopy

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of thin-slice (1 mm) axial proton density-weighted (PDW) MRI of the knee for meniscal tear detection and classification. Methods We prospectively assessed pre-operative MR images of 58 patients (41 males, 17 females; age range 18-62 years) with arthroscopically confirmed meniscal tear. First, we evaluated the performance of the sagittal and thin-slice axial MR images for the diagnosis of meniscal tears. Second, we compared the correlation of tear types presumed from sagittal and axial MRI with arthroscopy and tear classification from axial MRI. Tears were classified on the sagittal plane and the axial plane separately. The diagnostic performance and tear classification were compared statistically with arthroscopy results, which is accepted as the standard of reference. Results 8 of 58 patients were removed from the study group because they had complex or degenerative tears. A total of 62 tears were detected with arthroscopy in 50 patients. On the sagittal images, sensitivity and specificity values were 90.62% and 70.37%, respectively, for medial meniscus tears and 72.73% and 77.14%, respectively, for lateral meniscus tears. The corresponding values for axial images were 97.30% and 84.00%, respectively, for medial meniscus tears and 95.65% and 80.50%, respectively, for lateral meniscus tears. There was no significant difference in tear classification between the arthroscopy results and the thin-slice axial PDW MRI results (p>0.05). Conclusion thin-slice axial PDW MRI increases the sensitivity and specificity of meniscal tear detection and especially classification, which is important for surgical procedure decisions.     

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OBJECTIVE: We determined whether using two recently described indirect MR imaging signs would improve the sensitivity of diagnosis of lateral meniscal tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 121 consecutive patients who had undergone knee MR imaging and knee arthroscopy. Their MR imaging examinations were evaluated for the conventional criteria of a meniscal tear (meniscal distortion or intrameniscal signal contacting the surface) and the two new signs (presence of an abnormal popliteomeniscal fascicle and posterolateral pericapsular edema). These observations were correlated with the arthroscopic findings, which were used as the gold standard. RESULTS: Thirty-two (89%) of the 36 torn lateral menisci had two or more images with distortion or signal contacting the surface. Three torn menisci and eight intact menisci had one image with distortion or surface signal. Only one of 75 menisci without distortion or surface signal was torn. An abnormal superior fascicle was highly associated (p < 0.001) with lateral meniscal tears but was not specific for a tear because three of the 14 menisci with abnormal fascicles were not torn. Posterolateral pericapsular edema was not associated with a lateral meniscal tear (p = 0.06). Using an abnormal fascicle as an additional criterion improved the sensitivity from 89% to 94%, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that an abnormal fascicle is highly associated with a lateral meniscal tear but found that posterolateral pericapsular edema was not associated with lateral meniscal tears. Identifying an abnormal fascicle did not significantly improve the sensitivity of diagnosis of a lateral meniscal tear.     

Meniscal tears: role of axial MRI alone and in combination with other imaging planes

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of standard axial MR images alone in the diagnosis of meniscal tears of the knee and in combination with other imaging planes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients (55 men, seven women; age range, 23-68 years) with a prior MRI examination who underwent arthroscopic surgery of the knee during a 1-year period were included in the study group. Images were independently reviewed for identification of meniscal tears by two musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to arthroscopic findings. Sequences for meniscal evaluation included axial fat-saturated fast spin-echo proton density, coronal fat-saturated fast spin-echo proton density, and sagittal fast spin-echo proton density with 4- to 5-mm slice thicknesses. Imaging groups for evaluation were axial, coronal, sagittal, axial and sagittal, axial and coronal, and coronal and sagittal. Observers reported a confidence level for the presence or absence of meniscal tear in all imaging groups based on a 5-point scale. Statistical analysis considered medial and lateral menisci separately. RESULTS: Forty patients had medial meniscal tears, and 16 had lateral meniscal tears at arthroscopy. For medial and lateral meniscal tears, the accuracy (79% and 71%, respectively) of imaging in the axial plane was comparable to other imaging groups but the mean confidence levels (2.82 and 3.00, respectively) were low. In one patient, the axial plane alone correctly showed that no tear was present. No statistically significant difference was observed between imaging plane groups of both menisci in the diagnosis of meniscal tears (p > 0.05). The axial plane increased the accuracy of sagittal and coronal planes of lateral meniscus when combined. CONCLUSION: In standard knee MRI examinations, the axial imaging plane may be valuable for the detection and characterization of meniscal tears.     

Incidence and significance of demonstrating the meniscofemoral ligament on MRI

The aim was to evaluate how often MRI can detect the meniscofemoral ligament and if there is any relationship with the presence of lateral meniscal tears. Sagittal and coronal MR images of 138 patients with arthroscopically proven meniscal tears were included in this study. MR images were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of a meniscofemoral ligament and a lateral meniscal tear. The chi 2 test was used for statistical analysis. Either one or both meniscofemoral ligaments were shown in 114 (83%) of 138 patients on MR images. In 61 cases with a lateral meniscal tear, the meniscofemoral ligament was present in 82% (50/61) and absent in 18% (11/61). In 77 cases without lateral meniscal tear, the meniscofemoral ligament was present in 83% (64/77) and absent in 17% (13/77). A significant correlation was not established between the meniscofemoral ligament and lateral meniscal tear (p = 0.85).     

Mechanical properties of bioabsorbable meniscal arrows as a function of tear location: an ex vivo experimental study

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo studies have established that arrow fixation of meniscal tears is inferior to vertical sutures and is dependent on arrow length, although the influence of tear location is not known. HYPOTHESIS: Arrow length and tear location influence the mechanical properties of meniscal arrows. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A longitudinal incision was created either 2 mm or 7 mm from the periphery in 70 bovine medial menisci. Each was repaired with a meniscal arrow (10, 13, or 16 mm) or a single vertical suture and subjected to load-to-failure testing and video-graphic analysis. RESULTS: Mode of failure (P <.0001), maximum force (P <.0001), stiffness (P <.01), 2-mm gap force (P <.03), and ultimate gap formation (P <.002) were all directly related to arrow length. Sixteen-mm arrows and suture exhibited similar, superior mechanical properties. Tear location significantly influenced properties of 10-mm and 16-mm but not 13-mm arrows. Ten-millimeter arrows displayed the worst performance. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical properties of meniscal arrows depend on tear location and arrow length. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sixteen-millimeter arrows are a possible alternative to suture for repair of central tears. Thirteen-millimeter arrows may be effective for central and peripheral tears. Ten-millimeter arrows should not be used.     

Relationship between bone bruise volume and the presence of meniscal tears in acute anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Purpose

To determine whether there is a relationship between the size of the bone bruise volume after an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and the presence of meniscal tears in the medial and lateral compartment.

Methods

Following Institutional Review Board approval, 50 patients with an acute ACL rupture and MRI imaging within 30 days of injury were identified. Two musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated the lateral and medial menisci and graded them as one of the following: no meniscal tear, tear of one meniscus (medial or lateral) or tear of both menisci (medial and lateral). Sagittal T2 fat-suppressed images were used to calculate bone bruise volume. The relationship between bone bruise volume and the presence of a meniscus tear was calculated.

Results

Forty-three (86 %) patients had a bone bruise, 16 (32 %) patients had no tear, 7 (14 %) patients had lateral meniscus tear, 13 (26 %) patients had medial tear and 14 (28 %) patients had medial and lateral tears. There was a statistically significant difference in femoral bone bruise volume when comparing no meniscal tear to medial and lateral tears as well as when comparing medial or lateral tears to medial and lateral tears.

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant relationship between femoral bone bruise volume and the presence of meniscal tears in ACL injury, especially in the setting of medial and lateral pathology.

Level of evidence

Retrospective cohort study, Level III.