Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Meniscal and Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Knee: A Narrative Review
Keywords:
Knee; meniscus; medial collateral ligament; lateral collateral ligament; ultrasound; magnetic resonance imaging.Abstract
Background: There are two fibrocartilaginous menisci in the knee joint. Their main role is shock absorption, improvement of knee-joint stability, and load transmission. Collateral ligament injuries of the knee, encompassing the medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament, are common in knee trauma.
Objective: To review the anatomy, imaging techniques, and ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging features of meniscal and collateral ligament injuries of the knee.
Review: Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive tool for the assessment of knee pathology, especially menisci and ligaments. Ultrasound is cheaper, available, non-ionic, dynamic, and has no contraindication. Meniscal tears include longitudinal, horizontal, radial, complex, and displaced tears. Collateral ligament injuries are categorized into three grades based on ligament disruption and associated findings.
Conclusion: Accurate grading of these injuries is essential for management and prognosis. MRI is the gold standard for soft-tissue assessment, with ultrasound serving as an adjunct in certain cases.