MR imaging of the postoperative meniscus: repair, resection, and replacement

Meniscal surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in clinical practice today. Increasing awareness of the importance of the meniscus in knee function and stability has resulted in abandonment of the once common complete meniscectomy in favor of meniscus-preserving surgeries and, in some circumstances, meniscal replacement. Although the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal tears is well established, imaging of the postoperative meniscus has proved more challenging, with debate about the optimal imaging technique. This article discusses normal meniscal anatomy and biomechanics to serve as the background for understanding meniscal pathology and treatment. This is followed by a review of meniscal surgery, with emphasis placed on meniscal repair, partial meniscectomy, and meniscal transplantation. Finally, imaging modalities utilized in the assessment of the postoperative meniscus are reviewed, including their advantages and disadvantages.