[Meniscal injuries of the knee: arthrographic and echographic study]

In order to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of sonography (US) in meniscal lesions of the knee, 65 unquestionable cases of meniscopathy at arthrography were studied with high-resolution US. In 92% of the cases, inhomogeneous echo structure was demonstrated in correspondence with pathological meniscus, with irregular hyperechoic areas and, in some cases, with hyperechoic lines corresponding to the tear. 40% of patients presented with tumefaction and external bulging of the parameniscal region, while in 87% of the cases the articular capsule was thickened. These results confirm that, as reported by some authors, US is a promising method for the study of meniscopathies. We therefore believe that US could nowadays be at least employed as a complement to clinical examination, while its diagnostic capabilities are further assessed through other studies.