Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Meniscal Tears of the Knee.

In brief: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). has become a standard diagnostic technique in many medical facilities for evaluating the menisci of the knee. MRI provides superior soft-tissue contrast with high resolution and takes little time (typically less than 30 minutes). It does not require intra-articular contrast media and is not limited to surface abnormalities, as are arthrography and arthroscopy. Unlike MRI, both arthrography and arthroscopy cause disturbances to the external capsule of the knee, with associated patient discomfort and limited physical activity for some time following the procedure. The author discusses the advantages of MRI and presents a case report in which it was used to make the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment modality.