The Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Meniscal Injuries

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review evaluates the current understanding of the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of meniscal disorders.Recent FindingsUltrasound (US) demonstrates similar sensitivity and specificity when compared to magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of meniscal injuries when compared to arthroscopy. Meniscal extrusion (ME) under US can be a reliable metric to evaluate for meniscal root tears in knees with and without osteoarthritis (OA). Sonographic ME is associated with development of OA in knees without OA. US following allograft meniscal transplant may be useful in predicting graft failure. US findings can be used to screen for discoid menisci and may demonstrate snapping of a type 3 discoid lateral meniscus. Shear wave elastography for meniscal injuries is in its infancy; however, increased meniscal stiffness may be seen with meniscal degeneration. Perimeniscal corticosteroid injections may provide short term relief from meniscal symptoms, and intrameniscal platelet-rich plasma injections appear to be safe and effective up to three years. Ultrasound-assisted meniscal surgery may increase the safety of all inside repairs near the lateral root and may assist in assessing meniscal reduction following root repair.SummaryDiagnostic US can demonstrate with high accuracy a variety of meniscal pathologies and can be considered a screening tool. Newer technologies such as shear wave elastography may allow us to evaluate characteristics o...
Source: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research