[Stress-related long-term changes of the menisci]

In 82 asymptomatic subjects aged 8 to 62 years we evaluated the menisci by MRI (1.0 tesla; Spin-Echo (SE 700/20), PS (Partial Saturation) (500/10), STIR (Short-Time-Inversion-Recovery-Sequence; 1600/130/30). For grading the degeneration of the meniscus we used a standard classification (grade 0-4). MR-findings were correlated with the patients' age, weight, profession, and athletic activity. Statistic analysis revealed a correlation between athletic activity and meniscal degeneration of the anterior horns as well as of the lateral meniscus. Especially the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus seems to be loaded during athletic activities. Correlation of meniscus degeneration with subjects' age showed an increase of grade 3 and grade 4 lesions with advancing age. Subjects older than 50 years presented grade 3 and 4 lesions in the SE-sequence in 28.5% of the cases, in PS-sequences in 40.7% of the cases, and in STIR-sequences in 25% of the cases.

Athletic activity seems to load the anterior knee compartments especially the lateral compartment. In asymptomatic subjects MRI shows meniscal lesions in a significant number of patients, especially in subjects older than 50 years.