Meniscal tears of the knee: evaluation by high-resolution CT combined with arthrography

The knees of 27 patients with evidence of meniscal tears were examined with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) immediately following double-contrast arthrography. The arthrograms and postarthrogram HRCT scans were compared for their display of anatomic and pathologic detail. The anatomy of the semilunar cartilage and surrounding structures was more clearly outlined on the HRCT scans. The HRCT scans also enabled differentiation of the menisci from the surrounding anatomic parts (popliteal tendon sleeve and popliteal cyst) and good visualization of the relationship of torn meniscal fragments. Postarthrography HRCT should be used as a complement to arthrography. With this additional information, arthroscopists can plan the most appropriate surgical treatment.