Diagnostic tests
1st tests to order
1st tests to ordertable-forMeniscal tear
| Test | Result |
- MRI scan
-
Reported as 86.3% accurate for diagnosing a medial meniscus tear, and 88.8% accurate for diagnosing a lateral meniscal tear.
Also useful for identifying associated ligament compromise and articular cartilage changes.
| signal changes within meniscus on T1 and T2 images; sagittal views: anterior and posterior meniscal tears; coronal view: far medial and far lateral meniscal tears |
- plain film radiographs: AP x-ray, lateral knee x-ray, 45° PA flexion, and skyline views
-
Indicated in patients with a history of arthritis and chronic, long-standing meniscal tears.
If leg is malaligned, a long-leg hip to ankle film should also be obtained.
Fairbanks' changes are due to abnormal force concentration in the joint consequent to the loss of protection provided by the meniscus.
| arthritis and/or chronic tears: flattening of femoral condyle, narrowing of joint space, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis (Fairbanks' changes) |
Tests to consider
Tests to considertable-forMeniscal tear
| Test | Result |
- arthroscopy
-
Although usually performed to repair or resect the torn meniscus, arthroscopy can be used to confirm diagnosis.
| torn meniscus |
Last updated: May 20, 2013
