MRI findings of Root Tear of Medial Meniscus

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to elevate the accuracy of MRI diagnosis by means of inspection of the demonstrable findings of the root tear of medial meniscus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2003 to August 2004, MR images were obtained from 15 of 29 patients who had a root tear of medial meniscus on arthroscopic examination. Each sagittal, axial and coronal images was obtained. Of 15 patients, three were men and 12 were women. The mean age was 59.3 years. RESULTS: All of 15 patients were diagnosed as medial meniscus root tear. Sagittal images showed loss of shape and signal intensity. Axial images showed radial linear defect. And coronal images showed vertical linear defect. CONCLUSION: The characteristic findings from three planes of MRI were helpful for diagnosis of medial meniscus root tear.