The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of meniscal tears and degeneration compared to MRI and arthroscopy

Creative Commons License

Ünlü E. N., Üstüner E., Şaylısoy S., Yılmaz Ö., Özcan H., Erden İ.

Acta Medica Anatolia, vol.2, no.3, pp.80-87, 2014 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 2 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Journal Name: Acta Medica Anatolia
  • Journal Indexes: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.80-87
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the role of Ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of meniscus degeneration and tears as compared to Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. Methods: Thirty-five patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their ages (≤ 35 years and > 35 years). After MRI and US, 22 of the patients were also evaluated with arthroscopy. Comparisons were made using kappa agreement test and chi-square and Mc-Nemar tests where appropriate. Results: US exam was not as efficient as MRI in detection of degeneration. For tears, the sensitivity and specificity of US were 90.9% and 63.6% and for MR, 93.3% and 100% respectively. Medial meniscus posterior horn was the best visualized portion by US while visualization of the main bodies was limited. In the young group, the sensitivity and specificity of US were 80% and 100% compared to 66.7% and 75% in the elder group. Conclusions: US is not a suitable substitute of MRI in the routine diagnostic evaluation of meniscus lesions. However, in selected cases such as young patients, traumatic cases and cases with a contraindication for MRI, US may find a role as a quick exam to stratify patients for further evaluation.