Meniscal ramp lesion classification systems: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Knee Meniscus Injuries
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Meniscal ramp lesions (RLs) are increasingly recognized knee injuries.
• Standardized classification systems are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Approach:

• Systematic review of Level I-IV studies on meniscal ramp lesions.
• Analysis of arthroscopic and MRI-based classification systems for RL subtypes.
• Evaluation of the accuracy and reliability of proposed RL classification systems.

Key Points:

• Four main classification systems exist: two arthroscopic and two MRI-based.
• The Thaunat et al. classification is most referenced, but shows variable MRI sensitivity and interobserver agreement.
• The Greif et al. modification demonstrated substantial interobserver agreement.

Conclusions:

• Limited consistency exists in current descriptive classifications for meniscal ramp lesions.
• Preoperative MRI-based classification systems exhibit variable reliability.
• Arthroscopic examination remains the definitive method for RL diagnosis and classification.