Can MRI be wrong about meniscus tear?

MRI of the menisci has proven useful for more than 10 years, with current sensitivity and specificity for meniscal tears ranging from 90 to 95% in most reports [1].

Do you need an MRI to diagnose a torn meniscus?

You may not need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arthroscopy. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, or if your doctor thinks you have a meniscus tear and other knee injuries, he or she may recommend either an MRI or arthroscopy. Some doctors prefer to do arthroscopy instead of MRI.

How is an MRI of a torn meniscus diagnosed?

MRI

high intrameniscal signal extending to at least one articular surface, which should be seen in at least two slices: two slice touch rule (do not have to be contiguous, e.g. sagittal and coronal slices)
distortion of the normal meniscal morphology if no prior surgery.

What kind of MRI is used for meniscus?

The most reliable MRI sequences of the meniscus are proton density-weighted (FSE) sequences and T2-weighted and fast spin-echo T2-weighted sequences [43, 44] but also Rhô FSE Fat Sat sequences. T1-weighted sequences are less sensitive. Fast spin-echo is currently the imaging modality of choice.

Does xray show meniscus tear?

X-rays. Because a torn meniscus is made of cartilage, it won’t show up on X-rays. But X-rays can help rule out other problems with the knee that cause similar symptoms.

What kind of MRI do I need for meniscus tear?

MRI. With a sensitivity of ~95% and a specificity of 81% for medial meniscal tears and sensitivity of ~85% and a specificity of 93% for lateral meniscal tears 2,5, MRI is the modality of choice when a meniscal tear is suspected, with sagittal images being the most sensitive 5.

How to diagnose meniscal tears on knee MRI?

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.

How does a meniscal tear look on sagittal Mr?

The tear results in a vertical signal abnormality on sagittal MR images. (6a) A radial tear of the body of the lateral meniscus also appears vertical on sagittal MR images (arrow), though in the case of radial tears, the lesion is oriented perpendicular to the c-shaped fibers of the meniscus.

Which is the most sensitive arthroscopy for meniscal tears?

With arthroscopy considered the standard of reference, MR imaging demonstrates high sensitivity (93% for the medial meniscus [MM] and 79% for the lateral meniscus [LM]) and specificity (88% for the MM and 96% for the LM) for detection of meniscal tears ( 3 ).

When does plain film indicate a meniscal tear?

Only when associated with more complex injuries plain film may suggest a meniscal tear, e.g. arcuate sign, reverse Segond fracture, tibial plateau fracture.

Can MRI be wrong about meniscus tear? MRI of the menisci has proven useful for more than 10 years, with current sensitivity and specificity for meniscal tears ranging from 90 to 95% in most reports [1]. Do you need an MRI to diagnose a torn meniscus? You may not need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or…