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The "floating" meniscus: MRI in knee trauma and implications for surgery
Ravi S Bikkina1, Charles A Tujo, Albert B Schraner
1Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Erwin Rd., PO Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 24, 2004
Summary
A floating meniscus on MRI indicates a significant knee injury called meniscal avulsion. This finding, where the meniscus detaches from the tibial plateau, requires surgical planning for reattachment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic imaging
- Knee biomechanics
- Radiology
Background:
- Meniscal injuries are common knee pathologies.
- MRI is crucial for diagnosing knee injuries.
- Meniscal avulsion is an uncommon but significant injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the MRI findings of a "floating" meniscus.
- To correlate imaging findings with surgical outcomes.
- To identify a potential new sign for meniscal avulsion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 21 knee MRI cases.
- Analysis of cases where the meniscus appeared free-floating and surrounded by fluid.
- Correlation with intraoperative findings from surgical reports.
Main Results:
- A "floating" meniscus on MRI signifies complete detachment from the tibial plateau.
- This detachment is associated with disruption of meniscotibial coronary ligaments.
- Fluid accumulation around the meniscus allows it to appear free-floating.
Conclusions:
- The "floating" meniscus on MRI is a specific sign of meniscal avulsion.
- This injury results from significant knee trauma and often involves other ligamentous damage.
- Identifying meniscal avulsion aids in surgical planning for meniscal reattachment.