Clinicoradiological and Arthroscopic Correlation of Meniscal Injuries

Background: Menisci in knee joint serve very important functions of distributing joint stresses and stabilizing the joint. Meniscus tears are on the rise because of increased sports participation. Along with detailed history taking, the physical examination and special investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are required to diagnose meniscal injuries. A diagnostic arthroscopy is considered as the gold standard. Owing to heavy work duties, overdependence on MRI without due clinical examination is on the rise. The aim of our study was to correlate the findings of clinically diagnosed meniscal tears with its radiological and arthroscopic findings and to find out the reliability of clinical examination and MRI in meniscal injuries considering arthroscopy as the gold standard. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, longitudinal study performed over 12 months. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria underwent clinical examination and MRI scan; the data obtained were evaluated and correlated with arthroscopic findings. Using necessary equations sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated. Results: The clinical examination showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 75%, 90.62%, and 83.33%, respectively, when correlated with arthroscopy. MRI scan showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 82.86%, 92%, and 86.67%, respectively, when correlated with arthroscopy. Conclusion: MRI and clinical examination are comparably sensitive, specific, and accurate for diagnosing meniscal injuries with a subtle preference toward MRI. Author recommends a thorough clinical examination should suffice, but having a MRI scan beforehand is always beneficial in the absence of other concerns to do MRI.