ROLE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE DETECTION AND GRADING OF MENISCAL TEAR

Background: Meniscal tears are among the most frequently encountered knee injuries, often resulting from trauma or age-related degeneration. If left undiagnosed or untreated, they can significantly impair joint function and quality of life. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as the gold standard for non-invasive assessment of meniscal pathology due to its superior ability to visualize soft tissue structures. It facilitates accurate tear localization, classification, and grading, all of which are essential for individualized treatment planning. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic role of MRI in detecting and grading meniscal tears, and to correlate imaging findings with clinical symptoms. Methods: A four-month prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Radiology Department of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. A total of 101 patients presenting with knee pain and clinical suspicion of meniscal injury were included. Patients with contraindications to MRI or prior knee surgeries were excluded. MRI scans were performed and interpreted to identify tear presence, grade (I–IV), and location (medial or lateral meniscus). Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25. Chi-square tests were applied to assess the correlation between imaging findings and clinical features such as pain and mechanical symptoms. Results: Out of 101 patients (mean age range: 25–65 years), 75 (74.3%) demonstrated meniscal tears on MRI. Among these, 44 (58.7%) involved the medial meniscus and 31 (41.3%) the lateral. The most prevalent tear grade was Grade III in 35 patients (34.7%), followed by Grade II in 30 (29.7%) and Grade I in 20 (19.8%). A significant association was observed between tear presence and symptoms of pain and mechanical dysfunction (p = 0.000). Conclusion: MRI proved to be a highly effective diagnostic tool for detecting meniscal tears and determining their severity. Its ability to correlate tear characteristics with clinical presentation supports its critical role in guiding therapeutic decisions.