MR Imaging of the Postoperative Meniscus

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries. Partial meniscectomy and meniscal repair are the most common treatment options in the setting of an unstable meniscal tear. Standard MR diagnostic criteria of a meniscal tear may be normal findings postoperatively. The diagnosis of a recurrent or residual meniscal tear after prior meniscal surgery is primarily based on the visualization of surfacing high meniscal T2-weighted signal. After meniscectomy of greater than 25%, or meniscal repair, MR arthrography may be of benefit in the accurate evaluation of a possible residual or recurrent meniscal tear.