The accuracy of joint line tenderness by physical examination in the diagnosis of meniscal tears

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the accuracy of joint line tenderness in the diagnosis of meniscal tears. Type of Study: Prospective cohort study. Methods: There were 104 male recruits (age range, 18 to 20 years; mean, 19.2 years) with suspected meniscal lesions who underwent arthroscopy. A thorough history and physical examination was performed on each patient by a physician with 4 years’ experience on arthroscopic knee surgery. Twenty-six (25%) patients sustained injuries while in the Turkish Army, and 78 patients (75%) sustained injuries before they came to the army. On physical examination, assessment of joint line tenderness at the lateral and medial joint lines was performed with the patient’s knee flexed 90°. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of joint line tenderness for medial and lateral sides were calculated based on arthroscopic findings. Results: In 104 knees, the diagnosis was correct in 71 (68%) and incorrect in 33 (32%) knees. A total of 37 medial meniscal tears and 27 lateral meniscal tears were identified at arthroscopy. Other pathology included 11 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, 5 medial femoral chondral lesions, 4 chondromalacia patellae, and 1 medial plica. No discernable abnormalities were seen in 21 knees. A preoperative diagnosis of a medial meniscal tear was made in 54 knees and 32 were confirmed at arthroscopy. A lateral meniscus tear was suspected in 27 knees and confirmed in 25. Five medial meniscus and 2 lateral meniscus tears were seen at arthroscopy. These had not been suspected with tenderness over the joint line. The accuracy of the test was lower with the presence of ACL lesions and condromalacia patella. Conclusions: I concluded that joint line tenderness as a test for lateral meniscal tears is accurate (96%), sensitive (89%), and specific (97%). However, for medial meniscal tears, rates are lower.     

The predictive value of five clinical signs in the evaluation of meniscal pathology

One hundred sixty-one consecutive patients with knee pain of at least 1 year's duration were studied on a prospective basis to determine the predictive value of five common clinical tests for the diagnosis of meniscal tears. Each patient had a preoperative examination that evaluated the presence or absence of joint line tenderness, pain on forced flexion, the presence of a positive McMurray test, positive Apley grind and distraction tests, and the presence of a block to extension. The results of these tests were then compared to arthroscopic findings. This study indicates that no one test is predictive for the diagnosis of a meniscal tear; a combination of tests should be used. The presence of anterior cruciate ligament pathology will render these tests less effective for diagnosis of meniscal pathology. Chondromalacia patella is negatively correlated with the presence of joint line tenderness and pain on forced flexion.     

The utility of clinical examination in the diagnosis of medial meniscus injury in comparison with arthroscopic findings

A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the utility of clinical meniscal tests (joint line tenderness, McMurray test, Apley test and Steinmann I sign) in the diagnosis of medial meniscus injury. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of these tests were calculated in comparison with arthroscopic findings in 50 patients presented to us between January 2005 and January 2006 with knee pain and clinical manifestations of meniscal injury. The arthroscopy revealed that 32 patients (30 males and 2 females, aged 19–39 with mean of 27 years) had medial meniscus injury. Joint line tenderness showed the best diagnostic accuracy (80%) while Steinmann I sign had promising diagnostic characteristics. Similar to previous reports, the present study confirmed that caution should be used when interpreting the McMurray and Apley tests in the diagnosis of medial meniscus injury.     

Arthroscopic treatment of cysts of the menisci. A preliminary report

A retrospective clinical study evaluated the results of arthroscopic management of cysts of the menisci. From 1979 to 1984, 24 patients with a diagnosis of meniscal cysts associated with tears of the semilunar cartilage were treated with partial meniscectomy and cyst decompression. The mean age was 29.9 years (range, 14-52 years). Each patient had tenderness over the joint line with a palpable mass. There were 25 cases of meniscal cysts, with one patient having a bilateral cyst. Twenty-two cysts involved the lateral meniscus, and three cysts were on the medial side of the knee. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 48 months (mean, 33.5 months). All patients had a meniscal tear; most tears were either horizontal or transverse, with or without flap formation. The pathology was in the middle or anterior one-third of the meniscus. The arthroscopic surgery consisted of partial excision of the meniscal tear, leaving a peripheral rim at times, coupled with aspiration of the cyst material or manipulation of its contents into the joint cavity. No cyst recurred, and in every patient except one, preoperative symptoms disappeared. All patients but one were satisfied with the results. Two patients had a second arthroscopy, and no evidence of instability of the peripheral rim was found.     

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy in the detection of meniscal degenerations: Correlation of arthroscopy and MRI with histology findings

In a prospective double-blind study, the capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy in the detection and grading of meniscal degenerations is evaluated by correlating MRI findings and arthroscopic diagnoses with a histologic grading model. In 82.8% of our results, grading based on MRI studies corresponded with the histologic grading classification. In 12 instances a meniscal degeneration verified at light microscopy was not detected at MRI, whereas in 15 cases tomography yielded a false-positive result. The overall accuracy was calculated to be 0.93 with a specificity of 0.79 and a sensitivity of 0.96. Concerning the evaluation of meniscal degenerations, MRI provides a positive predictive value of 0.95 and a negative predictive value of 0.82. Compared with the diagnostic specificity of the anterior and posterior zones, that of the intermediate segment of the meniscus is significantly reduced (p < 0.001). At arthroscopy, meniscal degenerations were diagnosed with an overall accuracy of 38.8%, a sensitivity of 27.5%, and a specificity of 75.5%. In 80 cases of grade 3 abnormalities, five false-negative diagnoses were made initially. These results suggest that MRI offers a valuable diagnostic potential providing reliable information about the internal consistency of the meniscus complementary to diagnostic arthroscopy.     

Arthroscopic surgery--current status and perspectives

The morbidity after arthroscopic surgery is low; a hospitalization is not necessary in most patients. The possible operations of the knee joint include removal of loose bodies, resections on meniscus, plicae and synovium as well as more complicated procedures as suturing of a meniscus, total synovectomy and operations in patients with osteoarthritis. The advantage of the arthroscopic operation compared with arthrotomy is well documented in meniscal resection (shorter treatment, stay in the hospital and sick leave, reduced costs, and nevertheless excellent results) whereas the indication and clinical value of other arthroscopic procedures (i.e. suturing of a meniscal tear, lateral release, abrasion-arthroplasty) still are discussed. Diagnostic and operative arthroscopy of the shoulder joint has found its place and will certainly improve our knowledge on significance and treatment of disorders and injuries of this joint. In selected cases, an arthroscopy of the elbow, the hip, the ankle, the wrist or the temporomandibular joint offers important diagnostic information and may allow operative treatment. Arthroscopic surgery is technically difficult and not without problems. However, the rate of complications is extremely low (0.56%). Infections occur in significantly less than 1% of the cases. In veterinary medicine, therapeutic arthroscopy is used mainly in horses, but arthroscopies have been performed in the ox, the cow, the pig, the dog, the cat, and the rabbit. Modern joint surgery includes arthroscopic techniques; the training of trauma surgeons and orthopedic surgeons in arthroscopy is therefore mandatory.     

半月板损伤关节镜下的处理

目的通过关节镜下检查,观察膝关节半月板损伤的类型、分析处理的办法,提出适合的治疗措施。方法分析、随访2001年6月至2005年5月在我科住院,诊断明确并行关节镜手术的病人共150例;镜下分型:按半月板损伤形态分为垂直撕裂102例、水平裂26例和混合裂22例共三型;按照解剖分区结构分为红-红区42例、红-白区68例、白-白区40例。缝合32例,部分切除、修整114例;全切除4例。结果术后所有关节活动受限均改善,关节疼痛和绞锁症状与受伤时间长短和手术方法有关,病史短、半月板缝合者效果好,病史长、半月板部分切除者症状较其他组明显(P<0.05)。结论半月板损伤诊断越早治疗效果越好。不论撕裂部位,能缝合的尽量缝合,不能缝合的要尽可能保留多的半月板组织。半月板缝合时,尽量将线结打在关节外。     

Ankle impingement: combined anterior and posterior impingement syndrome of the ankle

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous anterior and posterior ankle impingement has not been previously reported. We identified 62 patients with both anterior and posterior impingement and report the results of anterior arthroscopic and posterior open treatment. METHODS: Between January, 1990, and December, 2003, 62 consecutive patients with symptoms and signs of both anterior and posterior impingement of the ankle were identified. Fifty-eight recorded a single injury or multiple ankle sprains. The most common mechanism of injury was inversion or plantarflexion. Initial conservative treatment failed in all patients and anterior arthroscopy and open posterior clearance were done. Followup averaged 11.4 months (up to 5 years). All patients showed posttraumatic synovitis at arthroscopy, and 48 had other arthroscopically-detected lesions, such as anterior tibial plafond lesions, ossicles, or soft-tissue impingement. The posterior arthrotomy revealed a bony cause for impingement in all but four patients, usually an os trigonum or a long posterior process of the talus. RESULTS: Three patients had anterolateral tenderness after arthroscopy and three had tenderness of the posterior arthrotomy scar. There were no persistent neurologic complications. Fifty-eight patients were available for followup. Forty-seven (81%) had excellent or good outcomes, nine (15.5%) had fair outcomes, and two (3.5%) were graded as poor. CONCLUSION: Usually, anterior and posterior impingement occur separately; however, there are patients who have symptoms and signs of both anterior and posterior ankle impingement. A single inversion or plantarflexion mechanism of injury may be responsible for this syndrome, although it may also be caused by repetitive inversion injury. Combined anterior arthroscopic and posterior open treatment obtained good results with minimal complications and morbidity.     

关节镜下半月板分区的临床意义

目的探讨关节镜下半月板分区的概念及其对半月板缝合手术操作的指导意义。方法根据关节镜下半月板缝合的临床实践,针对术中操作的特点和规律进行半月板损伤部位的分区:Ⅰ区,前角区;Ⅱ区,前侧方区;Ⅲ区,后侧方区;Ⅳ区,后角区。按照分区方法,Ⅰ区15例,Ⅱ区106例,Ⅲ区36例,Ⅳ区49例。对患者术前与术后的症状改善情况及膝关节功能评分变化进行评估。结果 206例随访25～76个月,平均38个月,膝关节无症状率92.7%(191/206),有临床症状患者的分布:Ⅲ区10例,Ⅱ区1例,Ⅰ区2例,Ⅳ区2例。术前Lysholm评分(52±11)分,显著低于术后(92±8)分(t=-45.153,P=0.000)。多个独立样本比较的Kruskal-Wallis H检验显示各区疗效存在显著性差异(χ2=30.289,P=0.000);组间两两比较的Mann-Whitney U检验显示各区间疗效均存在显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论关节镜下半月板各区缝合具有不同的中期临床疗效,关节镜下半月板分区对指导关节镜下半月板缝合操作具有一定的临床意义。     

Diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery of the upper ankle joint]

Arthroscopy of the ankle joint was limited to the anterior compartments for a long time. The key to the entire diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy procedure on the ankle joint was the distension of the joint space through modern distraction techniques. The distraction devices available make arthroscopic surgery of the ankle joint as effective as in other joints like the knee and shoulder. Distension of the joint space allows visualization of all compartments, including the posterior ankle. In the case of hidden cartilage pathology of the posterior talus, an osteotomy linked with hardware removal through a second operation can be avoided today. The indications for arthroscopy of the ankle are pain, swelling, instability, hemarthrosis and joint locking. Generally, arthroscopy of the ankle joint is performed utilizing three general portals: anterolateral, anteromedial and posterolateral. Arthroscopic standard equipment, including the small joint set, is sufficient to treat the major part of ankle pathology through the standard portals. Arthroscopic ankle joint debridement in degenerative arthritis, removal of osteophytes, elimination of loose bodies and the management of soft tissue and bony impingement are possible. A complete synovectomy can be performed, including the posterior compartments. The treatment of osteochondritis dissecans is facilitated through the transmalleolar approach in combination with the distraction device. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is possible and induces less trauma because an arthrotomy can be avoided. In our opinion diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery of the ankle joint is a procedure of great benefit for the patients if the indications are strictly adherred to.     

Degenerative meniscus: Pathogenesis,diagnosis, and treatment options

The symptomatic degenerative meniscus continues to be a source of discomfort for a significant number of patients. With vascular penetration of less than one-third of the adult meniscus, healing potential in the setting of chronic degeneration remains low. Continued hoop and shear stresses upon the degenerative meniscus results in gross failure, often in the form of complex tears in the posterior horn and midbody. Patient history and physical examination are critical to determine the true source of pain, particularly with the significant incidence of simultaneous articular pathology. Joint line tenderness, a positive McMurray test, and mechanical catching or locking can be highly suggestive of a meniscal source of knee pain and dysfunction. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently utilized to examine for osteoarthritis and to verify the presence of meniscal tears, in addition to ruling out other sources of pain. Non-operative therapy focused on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be able to provide pain relief as well as improve mechanical function of the knee joint. For patients refractory to conservative therapy, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy can provide short-term gains regarding pain relief, especially when combined with an effective, regular physiotherapy program. Patients with clear mechanical symptoms and meniscal pathology may benefit from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, but surgery is not a guaranteed success, especially with concomitant articular pathology. Ultimately, the long-term outcomes of either treatment arm provide similar results for most patients. Further study is needed regarding the short and long-term outcomes regarding conservative and surgical therapy, with a particular focus on the economic impact of treatment as well.     

Anterior cruciate ligament tears in skeletally immature patients: meniscal pathology at presentation and after attempted conservative treatment.

We evaluated 12 skeletally immature patients with acute, intrasubstance tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and open physes for meniscal pathology. Arthrograms were completed in 10 of 12 patients, and subsequent arthroscopy confirmed 8 meniscal tears (4 medial, 4 lateral) in 6 patients. Four patients with repairable menisci underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair and stabilization. Eight patients received quadriceps and hamstrings rehabilitation and returned to sports with a brace. After return to sports, all braced patients developed instability with multiple episodes of "giving way." Average time from initial injury to first episode of instability was 7 months. Seven patients sustained further meniscal damage an average of 15 months (range 7-27 months) after initial injury. We conclude that meniscal pathology is commonly associated with ACL tears in skeletally immature patients and we recommend arthrography or arthroscopy to evaluate patients with suspected ACL tears. Brace management did not prevent instability or new meniscal tears.     

膝半月板损伤的临床、MRI及关节镜对比研究

[目的]比较分析膝关节半月板损伤的临床、MRI和关节镜诊断，以提高诊断率。[方法]对本院176例同时行MRI检查及关节镜治疗，且至少临床、MRI或关节镜之一诊断为半月板损伤的患者MRI及病历资料作回顾性对照分析。以关节镜诊断为标准，计算临床和MRI诊断的敏感性、特异性、准确度，应用卡方检验比较临床和MRI诊断与关节镜诊断的差异。[结果]临床诊断的敏感性、特异性、准确度分别为79．3％、26．3％、73．8％；临床诊断与关节镜诊断差异有统计学意义（z。：7．52，P〈0．01）。MRI诊断的的敏感性、特异性、准确度分别为94．1％、92．9％、93．4％；MRI对半月板撕裂的诊断与关节镜诊断差异无统计学意义（x^2=0．375，P〉0．05）。[结论]MRI是诊断半月板破裂极有价值的无创方法，是膝关节镜术前的重要检查。MRI与临床诊断相结合可提高半月板撕裂伤的诊断率，避免不必要的关节镜手术。     

Arthroscopic findings in the knees of preadolescent children

Purpose: The aim of this review was to correlate the preoperative clinical diagnoses and the diagnostic arthroscopic findings in preadolescents with knee problems. We also studied the incidence of different types of knee pathology in this age group. Type of Study: Consecutive case series. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three preadolescents, 13 girls and 10 boys under the age of 13 years, presenting with mechanical knee problems underwent knee arthroscopy after clinical assessment. Results: Symptomatic plica synovialis was found to be the most frequent pathology (n = 8). This pathology was far more common in girls compared with boys. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries (n = 4) followed symptomatic plica synovialis in frequency. This was an isolated injury in all cases. The arthroscopic findings were negative in 4 patients. Conclusion: In 61% of preadolescent patients, the clinical diagnoses and arthroscopic findings were compatible and correct. The main error tended to be misdiagnosis of meniscal pathology (4 patients) and overdiagnosis (5 cases of negative arthroscopy).     

Cysts of the lateral meniscus: arthroscopy versus arthroscopy plus open cystectomy

A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 knees in 31 patients with the diagnosis of cyst of the lateral meniscus. Average follow-up was 41 months, with a range of 16-72 months. Surgical and histological examination demonstrated pathology varying from large meniscal tears with minimal cyst formation to large cysts with no demonstrable meniscal tear. Two theories of etiology emerged: (a) The tear begins in the meniscus and spreads through the periphery. (b) The lesion begins as a compression injury to the vascular periphery and spreads centrally, producing a meniscus tear, or peripherally, producing a cyst, or both. In our series, 20 patients managed by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and open cystectomy had 80% excellent-good results versus 50% excellent-good results in 12 patients treated with arthroscopy and partial meniscectomy without extraarticular cystectomy. We recommend the following treatment: arthroscopy with a diligent search for a lateral meniscal tear, especially peripherally. If none is found, proceed to extraarticular cystectomy. If a tear is found, remove all unstable meniscal fragments, leaving a rim, if possible, especially adjacent to the popliteus recess, and then proceed to open cystectomy.     

Techniques for meniscal refixation

Surgical Principles Midline approach for arthroscopy [7]. Palpation of the joint line of the involved compartment from outside. A needle armed with a suture is passed through skin, fat tissue, capsule, peripheral, and central meniscal fragment. A second armed needle is placed 1 cm beside the first in identical fashion. With the probe which is introduced by an anteromedial or lateral portal, the suture of the first needle is brought back outside the joint. Depending on needle location sutures can be placed in horizontal or vertical fashion. After preparation of the necessary number of sutures, the sutures are tightened one by one under direct arthroscopic vision of the meniscal tear. A far posteriorly located part of a rupture is thereafter treated via a short posteromedial or -lateral arthrotomy with the knee flexed at 90°. The capsular ring is transected vertically to get access to the central meniscal fragment. Vertical sutures are placed starting from the most posterior aspect of the tear, and then one by one the sutures are tightened. The capsular ring is sutured. The vertical sutures with the open technique usually show a better initial fixation strength than the arthroscopic sutures [17]. The work was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (Nr. 10396) and the Swedish Centre for Research in Sports.     

Knee locking and pain mimicking lateral meniscal tear due to unusual location of localized pigmented villonodular synovitis: a diagnostic surprise

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is one of the rare conditions, which typically involves the knee joint. There are two main types of PVNS-localized and diffuse, with localized type relatively rare when compared to diffuse PVNS. This case report describes a 30-year-old man presenting with a short history of swelling, posterolateral joint line pain and intra-articular mechanical locking of the left knee. There was localized tenderness, and McMurray’s test was positive. Arthroscopy revealed a firm pedicular localized pigmented villonodular synovitis originating from the beneath of the body and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. The lesion was excised arthroscopically. This allowed a return to normal daily activities. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) arising from posterolateral aspect of knee mimicking lateral meniscal tear has not been reported in the literature. Though rare, LPVNS should be kept as differential diagnosis of meniscal tear. LPVNS can be managed effectively with arthroscopy.     

Comparison of clinical examination with NMR spectroscopy in the diagnosis of meniscal lesions in daily practice]

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging compared to the clinical examination for meniscal lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1991 to 1995 we did arthroscopic evaluation at 824 patients with the diagnose "meniscal lesion". 73 of them had an MRI-examination elsewhere before surgery. RESULTS: During arthroscopy we found 473 lesions of the medial meniscus and 160 of the lateral meniscus. The MRI-examination had an accuracy of 70% for the medial meniscus (sensitivity 79%, specificity 63%, positive predictive value 64%, negative predictive value 78%) and 78% for the lateral meniscus (sensitivity 50%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 86%). The clinical examination had an accuracy of 73% for the medial meniscus (sensitivity 98%, specificity 39%, positive predictive value 69%, negative predictive value 88%) and 87% for the lateral meniscus (sensitivity 67%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 65%, negative predictive value 93%). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude, that by an experienced examiner a meniscal lesion can be diagnosed adequately by clinical examination alone. The different radiologists who did the MRI examination in our study belong to different outward departments and used different apparatus with sometimes insufficient quality of the pictures. Therefore the sensitivity and specificity of the MRI for meniscal lesions is markedly lower than in other studies of departments where a close cooperation between the radiologist and the orthopedic surgeon is performed.     

A comparison of accuracy between clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament tears

A prospective and retrospective study was undertaken to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with clinical examination in diagnosing meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Pathological findings were then confirmed during arthroscopy. One hundred fifty-four patients clinically diagnosed with a meniscal or ACL tear who ultimately had arthroscopic knee surgery were evaluated; 100 patients underwent clinical examination followed by MRI, and 54 underwent clinical examination alone. The presence or absence of meniscal and ACL tears was confirmed during arthroscopy. The accuracies of clinical examination and MRI were compared for the 100 patients who underwent both clinical examination and MRI. The accuracy of MRI was 75% for medial meniscal tears, 69% for lateral meniscal tears and 98% for ACL tears. The accuracy of clinical examination was 82% for medial meniscal tears, 76% for lateral meniscal tears and 99% for complete tears of the ACL. Furthermore, the accuracy of clinical examination for the 54 patients who underwent clinical examination alone was not significantly different from the accuracy of clinical examination in the 100 patients who also underwent MRI. There was no significant difference between the accuracy of clinical examination and MRI in the diagnosis of meniscal and ACL tears and, overall, MRI contributed to treatment in only 16 of 100 cases. Based on these findings, we feel that MRI, except in certain circumstances, is an expensive and unnecessary diagnostic test in patients with suspected meniscal and ACL pathology.     

Abnormal band of the lateral meniscus of the knee

Summary: We report 2 cases of an abnormal band of the lateral meniscus of the knee joint. A 23-year-old man complained of mechanical symptoms in both knees and an arthroscopic procedure was performed. We found meniscal abnormalities in the both knees. A 20-year-old man sustained a posterior cruciate ligament injury. In the course of an arthroscopy for his torn posterior cruciate ligament, an abnormal band of the lateral meniscus was seen. It was characteristic that the upper abnormal band was loose and serpentine and connected at the posterior horn and the middle segment of the lower normal lateral meniscus. Arthroscopic resection of abnormal bands successfully eliminated the symptoms. Because of its characteristic appearance and bilaterality, it was evident that this abnormal band was a congenital anomaly.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 6 (September), 2000: E11