What is a T2 meniscus tear?

T2: a hyperintense line in the meniscus, which indicates synovial fluid in the meniscus. the high T2 signal in mid-substance of the meniscus without extension to the surface is not necessarily a tear and can be: in adults: secondary to degeneration.

What is a longitudinal meniscal tear?

Vertical Tear: Vertical tears of the meniscus (sometimes known as longitudinal tears) are tears that develop along the circular curve of the meniscus tissue. When these tears get large enough, they can sometimes displace into the front of the knee and are then known as bucket-handle tears.

What does Menacious mean?

1 : a crescent or crescent-shaped body. 2 : a concavo-convex lens. 3 : the curved upper surface of a column of liquid. 4 : a fibrous cartilage within a joint especially of the knee.

What is a oblique tear in the knee?

Oblique tears give rise to flaps which are mechanical unstable and associated with mechanical symptoms. This pattern of tear requires resection to prevent propagation of the tear as the flap gets caught within the joint during flexion. Complex or degenerative tears are where two or more tear patterns exist.

What is a radradial meniscus tear?

Radial tears are perpendicular to the long axis of the meniscus. They violate the collagen bundles that parallel the long axis of the meniscus. These are high energy tears. They start at the inner margin and go either partial or all the way through the meniscus dividing the meniscus into a front and a back piece.

What are the signs of a meniscal tear on radiographs?

On plain radiographs, meniscal tears are not visible. In rare cases secondary signs can be seen, such as a soft tissue swelling next to the meniscus when a meniscal cyst is present 4. Only when associated with more complex injuries plain film may suggest a meniscal tear, e.g. arcuate sign, reverse Segond fracture, tibial plateau fracture.

What is the difference between a longitudinal and radial meniscus tear?

Both longitudinal and radial tears may appear vertical on MR images (5a,6a), but longitudinal tears extend parallel to the c-shaped circumference of the meniscus, whereas radial tears lie perpendicular to the meniscal circumference.

How are meniscal tears classified and repaired?

When a meniscal tear is identified, accurate description and classification of the tear pattern can guide the referring clinician in patient education and surgical planning. For example, longitudinal tears are often amenable to repair, whereas horizontal and radial tears may require partial meniscectomy.