SONOGRAPHY AND MENISCUS TEAR

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing meniscal degeneration and tears in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. A total of 35 patients participated in the study and were divided into two age groups (≤ 35 years and > 35 years). Following MRI and US examinations, 25 patients also underwent arthroscopic evaluation. Statistical comparisons were performed using the kappa agreement test, chi-square test, and McNemar test where appropriate. US was found to be less effective than MRI in detecting meniscal degeneration. For meniscal tears, US demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 63.6%, whereas MRI showed a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 100%. The medial meniscus posterior horn was the region most effectively visualized by US, while the main bodies of the menisci were more challenging to assess. In patients aged ≤ 35 years, US achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 100%, respectively, compared to 66.7% and 75% in patients over 35 years.