Maintenance of the integrity of the articular cartilage is critical to preventing the development of post-traumatic or degenerative arthritis. When a physician is evaluating an injured knee, a history is taken to determine the specific problems that a patient is having with the knee. Next a physical examination of the area will be performed to determine the site of the pain, the presence or absence of physical findings that are known to be associated with a torn meniscus, and x-rays are performed to identify other abnormalities that may give similiar problems to those of a torn meniscus. In some instances, additional diagnostic tests such as an MRI may be ordered. If the history and physical findings indicate that a tear is present, arthroscopic surgery may be indicated for treatment.
Circled area contains an area of normal meniscus.
Circled area contains an image of a portion of the meniscus. The light center area represents the tear. Side view of knee. Circled area contains an image of a portion of the meniscus. The red area is a color enhanced tear of the meniscus.