Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026
A Novel Arthroscopic Medial Knot-Tying Suture-Bridge Repair with Rip-Stop Technique for Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: January 13, 2026
Meniscal tear configurations: categorization with MR imaging
Won-Hee Jee1, Thomas R McCauley, Jung-Man Kim
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Catholic University of Korea, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, 505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-Ku, 137-701 Seoul, Korea.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MR imaging for categorizing the configuration of meniscal tears of the knee.
Materials And Methods:
Fast spin-echo MR images obtained at 1.5 T from 110 patients who had meniscal tears identified at arthroscopy were retrospectively and independently classified by two reviewers into five configurations: horizontal, longitudinal, radial, oblique, and complex. MR imaging categorization was compared with arthroscopic results as the standard of reference. Data were also analyzed with longitudinal and oblique tears combined because these usually are reparable, and with horizontal, radial, and complex tears combined because these usually are not reparable. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were calculated using kappa coefficients.
Results:
At arthroscopy, meniscal tears were categorized as horizontal (n = 44), longitudinal (n = 34), complex (n = 22), radial (n = 11), and oblique (n = 5). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each reviewer for the reparable tears were 82%, 92%, and 89%; and 59%, 97%, and 84%, respectively. Interobserver agreements were fair between reviewer 1 and the first and second interpretations of reviewer 2 (kappa = 0.25, p < 0.005; and kappa = 0.21, p < 0.05, respectively). Intraobserver agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.71, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
MR imaging was accurate for predicting reparable meniscal tears and was sensitive for the determination of nonreparable tears.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging accurately categorizes knee meniscal tears, distinguishing between reparable and non-reparable configurations. This imaging technique is sensitive for identifying non-reparable tears, aiding treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic imaging
- Diagnostic radiology
- Knee biomechanics
Background:
- Meniscal tears are common knee injuries.
- Accurate tear configuration classification is crucial for treatment planning.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is a key diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of MR imaging in classifying knee meniscal tear configurations.
- To compare MR imaging findings with arthroscopic results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1.5 T fast spin-echo MR images from 110 patients with arthroscopically confirmed meniscal tears.
- Independent classification of tears into five configurations by two reviewers.
- Comparison of MR imaging categorization with arthroscopic gold standard.
- Calculation of interobserver and intraobserver agreement using kappa coefficients.
Main Results:
- MR imaging demonstrated high accuracy in predicting reparable meniscal tears (reviewer 1: 89%, reviewer 2: 84%).
- Sensitivity and specificity for reparable tears were high, particularly for reviewer 1 (82% sensitivity, 92% specificity).
- Interobserver agreement was fair (kappa = 0.21-0.25), while intraobserver agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.71).
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is an accurate modality for predicting reparable meniscal tears of the knee.
- The technique is sensitive in determining non-reparable tears, guiding surgical or conservative management.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:23Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...