Medial meniscus posterior root attachment injury and degeneration: MRI findings

• Published in: Australasian radiology Vol. 50; no. 4; pp. 306 - 313
• Main Authors: Jones, AO, Houang, MTW, Low, RS, Wood, DG
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01-08-2006
• Subjects: avulsion; Cartilage Diseases - diagnosis; Cartilage Diseases - pathology; extrusion; Humans; Knee Injuries - diagnosis; Knee Injuries - pathology; magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; medial meniscal root; Menisci, Tibial - pathology; Tibial Meniscus Injuries
• ISSN: 0004-8461; 1440-1673
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.2006.01586.x

Summary
The posterior root attachment of the medial meniscus is readily identifiable on MRI. Unless specifically reviewed, injuries involving this structure may be overlooked. Significant meniscal root pathology may cause functional incompetence of the meniscus, with consequent early onset cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. This review article emphasizes the importance of positive identification of an intact meniscal root and illustrates the known association of meniscal root injury or tear with medial extrusion of the medial meniscus by greater than 3 mm beyond the joint margin.