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[Semidiscoid lateral meniscus]
Nihon Igaku Hoshasen Gakkai Zasshi. Nippon Acta Radiologica
|December 25, 1992
Summary
Researchers identified a new knee condition, the semidiscoid lateral meniscus. Diagnostic criteria involve specific measurements on 3D MRI, distinguishing it from other meniscal variations.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The lateral meniscus is crucial for knee joint stability.
- Variations in meniscal morphology, such as discoid menisci, are known but incompletely understood.
- A distinct entity, the semidiscoid lateral meniscus, is proposed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the diagnostic criteria for the semidiscoid lateral meniscus.
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of this proposed entity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thin-sliced axial 3D MRI for imaging.
- Defined diagnostic criteria based on coronal image transverse width (11.6–14.3 mm) calculated via discriminant analysis.
- Retrospectively reviewed MR examinations of 15 patients diagnosed with semidiscoid lateral meniscus.
Main Results:
- Fifteen patients (15 knees) were identified with the semidiscoid lateral meniscus.
- Complicated lateral meniscal tears occurred in 3 cases; 9 knees were uncomplicated, and 5 were asymptomatic.
- Contralateral MRIs in 6 patients revealed discoid lateral menisci in all cases, suggesting a relationship.
Conclusions:
- The semidiscoid lateral meniscus is a newly proposed entity of the knee.
- Its diagnostic criteria are established using specific MRI measurements.
- A significant association between semidiscoid lateral meniscus and discoid lateral meniscus is observed.
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