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[Clinical use of meniscus sonography]
T Heuchemer1, G Bauer, J M Friedrich
1Abt. für Röntgendiagnostik, Universitätsklinikum Ulm/Donau.
Bildgebung = Imaging
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Sonography offers a non-invasive method for diagnosing knee meniscus injuries, showing high accuracy compared to surgery. This ultrasound technique effectively identifies various meniscal tears and detachments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Traumatic knee injuries often involve meniscal tears, necessitating accurate diagnostic methods.
- Traditional diagnostic approaches may be invasive or have limitations in visualizing meniscal structures.
Observation:
- Sonography, utilizing efficient ultrasound equipment with a 7.5 MHz sectorscanner, was employed to examine the medial and lateral menisci.
- Over 200 patients with suspected traumatic meniscal lesions underwent sonographic examination within a 10-month period.
Findings:
- Sonography successfully visualized all parts of the meniscus in most cases.
- The technique demonstrated 86% concordance with operative findings in diagnosing meniscal lesions.
- Specific tear types, including longitudinal, transverse, 'fishmouth,' and 'bucket-handle' lesions, as well as complete detachment, were identifiable.
- A key diagnostic indicator is the presence of a hyperechogenic zone within the homogeneous gray meniscus.
Implications:
- Sonography provides valuable information on the location and extent of meniscal lesions.
- This non-invasive imaging technique can aid in the diagnosis of traumatic meniscal injuries.
- While effective for localization and extent, ultrasound may not always determine the precise nature of the lesion.