MR Imaging of the Meniscocapsular Tear of the Knee

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Meniscocapsular(MC) separation in knee joint can deteriorate joint function and must be repaired in arthroscopy. We investigated retrospectively MR imaging findings in order to find out its validity for accurate diagnosis & early treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Jan. 1998 to Dec. 1999, among the patients treated with MC tear under the arthroscopy, MRI findings was evaluated in 31 patients(18 cases medial, 13 cases lateral) at retrospectively. RESULTS: The important findings in medial meniscus were that fluid collection meniscus and MCL was 12 cases(67k) and increased distance between meniscus and capsule was 10 cases(56%), but in lateral meniscus, perimeniscal swelling was 10 cases(77%), and menisco-tibial extension rupture was 8 cases(62%). CONCLUSION: The important MR findings for the MC tear were the increasing distance or fluid between meniscus and joint capsule or MCL at medial meniscus, and perimeniscal swelling, menisco-tibial extension rupture at lateral meniscus.