MRI Improves Diagnosis of Medial Meniscal Tears
New international data indicates that MRI is an effective means to detect a specific type of medial meniscal tears. The advantage of improved diagnostics is a reduction in unnecessary surgeries and decreasing the number of false-positive meniscus injuries.
Two different studies, one completed in Korea and another from Wisconsin, validated utilization of this imaging modality for medial meniscus assessment. Data from both studies was published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The studies compared this diagnostic approach with arthroscopy, which is the current diagnostic standard of care.
One of the previous concerns cited about the use of MRI is the rate of false positives. The Wisconsin team was able to determine the type of meniscal tear that is most often falsely identified, longitudinal tears.
Radial tears of the meniscus are a very common cause of root injury to the meniscus. Most of such are amenable to treatment with a minimally invasive approach, but can often be overlooked.
August 6, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Orthopedic