Abstract

Introduction: Menisci are clinically significant due to their role in load distribution, shock absorption, and joint stability. Additionally, in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, knee joint laxity can lead to progressive meniscal tears. Treatment of meniscal tears requires accurate identification of the location and type of tear. Therefore, precise determination of the meniscal tear is crucial for subsequent management. This study aims to describe the imaging characteristics and the value of meniscal tears and associated injuries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all patients with knee trauma who underwent MRI prior to surgery and were indicated for knee surgery at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Can Tho Central General Hospital from 2023 to 2025.

Results: MRI plays a significant role in identifying the type, location, and pattern of meniscal tears. The sensitivity of MRI in diagnosing lateral meniscal injuries was 91.2%, while the specificity was 80.4%. For medial meniscal injuries, the sensitivity was 93.9% and the specificity was 75.0%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MRI for lateral meniscal injuries were 75.6% and 87.5%, respectively, while for medial meniscal injuries, they were 70.5% and 95.1%. Classification of meniscal injuries according to the AJR and ISAKOS systems demonstrated high accuracy for various tear types, such as vertical/ longitudinal (sensitivity 82.8%, specificity 91.1%), horizontal (sensitivity 76.2%, specificity 90.9%), and complex (sensitivity 84.2%, specificity 96.4%). Notably, when combined with ACL tears, the sensitivity and specificity of MRI for meniscal tear types were as follows: Vertical/ longitudinal 76.9%, 85.9%; horizontal 100.0%, 86.8%; radial 55.6%, 96.0%; bucket handle (horizontal flap) 100.0%, 97.1%; vertical flap 50.0%, 96.2%; complex 77.8%, 94.9%.

Conclusion: MRI plays a crucial role in evaluating meniscal injuries in patients with knee trauma.