This document provides a radiological report and overview of knee pathology related to the meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It describes various grades of meniscal degeneration and discusses features of common meniscal tears including horizontal, longitudinal, radial, and bucket-handle tears. Anatomical variants like discoid meniscus are also reviewed. Expected MRI appearances of different tear patterns and signs like the double PCL sign for bucket-handle tears are presented. Healing responses and partial ACL tears are additionally summarized. The report contains multi-planar knee MRI images illustrating normal anatomy and various pathological conditions.
13. Intrameniscal signal intensity into a medial meniscal tear over 48 months. Images
show intrameniscal signal intensity grade 2 (arrowhead) at baseline, having progressed
to grade 3 (arrowhead) at 24-month follow-up. At 48 months, the signal is visible on
several sections and indicates a horizontal meniscal tear in the posterior horn (arrow).
14. Normal Anatomy Meniscal Tear.
Normal meniscal anatomy. (a) Three-dimensional model (left) and cross-sectional diagram (right) of the semi lunar
meniscus highlight the concave surface, which conforms to the morphology of the femoral condyles. The result is
increased contact area and a tapered central free edge. Circumferentially oriented collagen bundles (blue cylinders)
provide hoop strength and course parallel to the long axis of the meniscus, while radial fibers form a lattice and
provide additional structural support. (b) Three-dimensional model shows the meniscus subdivided into thirds (the
anterior horn [AH], body [B], and posterior horn [PH]) and attached to the tibia via the anterior and posterior root
ligaments. Note the proximity of the roots to the tibial attachment sites for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
(black *) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) (white *). (c) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows the striated
appearance of the anterior horn of the LM (arrow) due to contributing insertional fibers that originate from the ACL.
15. Normal meniscal anatomy. (a) Three-
dimensional model (left) and cross-sectional
diagram (right) of the semilunar meniscus
highlight the concave surface, which conforms
to the morphology of the femoral condyles.
The result is increased contact area and a
tapered central free edge. Circumferentially
oriented collagen bundles (blue cylinders)
provide hoop strength and course parallel to
the long axis of the meniscus, while radial
fibers form a lattice and provide additional
structural support. (b) Three-dimensional
model shows the meniscus subdivided into
thirds (the anterior horn [AH], body [B], and
posterior horn [PH]) and attached to the tibia
via the anterior and posterior root ligaments.
Note the proximity of the roots to the tibial
attachment sites for the anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) (black *) and posterior cruciate
ligament (PCL) (white *). (c) Sagittal PD-
weighted MR image shows the striated
appearance of the anterior horn of the LM
(arrow) due to contributing insertional fibers
that originate from the ACL.
16. Normal MR imaging appearance of the menisci. (a) Sagittal PD-weighted MR images show the
typical bow-tie configuration of the meniscal body (left) and the opposing triangles of the horns
(center and right). The posterior horn of the MM (arrow) is larger than the anterior horn, whereas
the horns of the LM are similar in size and shape. (b) Coronal PD-weighted MR images demonstrate
the triangular morphology of the meniscal body (left) and the elongated wedge shape of the
posterior horn (right), which is continuous with the crescentic posterior meniscal root.
17. Normal MR imaging appearance of the menisci. (a) Sagittal PD-weighted MR images show the typical bow-tie
configuration of the meniscal body (left) and the opposing triangles of the horns (center and right). The posterior horn
of the MM (arrow) is larger than the anterior horn, whereas the horns of the LM are similar in size and
shape. (b) Coronal PD-weighted MR images demonstrate the triangular morphology of the meniscal body (left) and the
elongated wedge shape of the posterior horn (right), which is continuous with the crescentic posterior meniscal root.
18. Surrounding anatomy. (a) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image (left) shows an apparent anterior root tear (black arrow), which, when
followed on multiple imaging sections and better depicted on the axial fluid-sensitive reconstructed MR image (right), is shown to be the
normal transverse meniscal ligament (white arrow). (b) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows the Humphry (white arrow) and
Wrisberg (black arrow) ligaments, which are located anterior and posterior to the PCL, respectively. (c) Sagittal T2-weighted MR image
shows the posterosuperior (arrow) and anteroinferior (arrowhead) fascicles, which form the roof and floor of the popliteal hiatus,
respectively. (d) Sagittal T2-weighted MR image obtained at a more medial level than c depicts the posteroinferior fascicle (arrow). Note
the adjacent MFL (arrowhead). (e) Sagittal T2-weighted MR image shows a torn posterosuperior fascicle (arrow), which was found to be
associated with an arthroscopically proved peripheral longitudinal LM tear. Note the “kissing” bone contusions from an ACL tear.
19. Anatomic variants. (a) Coronal fat-suppressed PD-weighted MR image through the body
of the menisci shows a discoid LM (arrow) that measures 19 mm (normally <15
mm). (b) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows the typical rippled appearance of a
meniscal flounce (arrowhead). (c) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image (left) shows marrow
signal intensity within the MM posterior horn (black arrow), a finding that corresponds
to a meniscal ossicle (white arrow) seen on the lateral radiograph (right).
20. Expected MR imaging appearance of a horizontal tear. (a) Three-dimensional model (center)
shows a horizontal tear (arrow), and diagrams show the expected appearance of the tear on
sagittal (left) and coronal (right) MR images. Dashed lines = orientation of imaging
planes. (b) Sagittal T2-weighted MR image shows a tear of the posterior horn (arrow) and an
associated multiloculated parameniscal cyst (arrowhead). (c) Coronal PD-weighted MR image
shows a horizontal tear of the meniscal body (arrow) that contacts the superior articular surface.
21. Expected MR imaging appearance of a horizontal
tear. (a) Three-dimensional model (center) shows
a horizontal tear (arrow), and diagrams show the
expected appearance of the tear on sagittal (left)
and coronal (right) MR images. Dashed lines =
orientation of imaging planes. (b) Sagittal T2-
weighted MR image shows a tear of the posterior
horn (arrow) and an associated multiloculated
parameniscal cyst (arrowhead). (c) Coronal PD-
weighted MR image shows a horizontal tear of
the meniscal body (arrow) that contacts the
superior articular surface.
22.
23. Fat-suppressed proton density-weighted (4a) sagittal and (4b) coronal images reveal a horizontal
tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (arrows), extending to the tibial surface.
34. Longitudinal tear. (a) Three-dimensional model (left) and cross-sectional diagram (right) show a
longitudinal tear (black arrows) extending to both articular surfaces, running along the long axis
of the meniscus and dissecting it between the longitudinal collagen bundles (blue cylinders). A
longitudinal tear separates the free edge from the periphery. (b) Arthroscopic image from Movie
1 shows a longitudinal tear parallel to the free edge. Inset shows the arthroscopic field of view.
35. Expected MR imaging appearance of a longitudinal
tear. (a) Three-dimensional model (center) shows a
typical longitudinal tear (arrow) that divides the
meniscus into inner and outer halves, and diagrams
show the expected appearance of the tear on sagittal
(left) and coronal (right) MR images. Dashed lines =
orientation of imaging planes. (b) Axial fluid-sensitive
reformatted MR image shows a peripheral longitudinal
tear involving the posterior body and posterior horn
that extends into the posterior root arrows). (c) Sagittal
PD-weighted MR image shows a peripheral
longitudinal tear with increased intrasubstance signal
intensity that unequivocally contacts the articular
surface in a vertical orientation (arrow). This type of
tear should not extend to the free edge.
41. Vertical flap tars
(Parrot-beak tears):
Graphic and axial PD FS
MR show an oblique
radial (D) or
longitudinal tear
entering the free edge
of the meniscus with
displacement of the
edge (A), resulting in
a defect shaped like
a parrot's beak or the
letter "V” (B,C).
42. Radial (Root)tear. (a) Three-dimensional model (left) and cross-sectional diagram (right) show a
radial tear (black arrows) that involves the free edge and is perpendicular to the long axis of the
meniscus. The circumferential fibers responsible for resisting hoop strength are sequentially
torn. Blue cylinders = longitudinal collagen bundles. (b) Arthroscopic image from Movie 2 shows
a radial tear that involves the free edge. Inset shows the arthroscopic field of view.
43. MR imaging signs of a radial tear. Sagittal PD-weighted MR images demonstrate the cleft sign (arrowhead
in a), the truncated triangle sign of a partial-thickness tear (arrowhead in b), and the ghost meniscus sign
associated with a full-thickness tear (arrow in c). Each tear involves the free edge of the meniscus.
44.
45. Marching cleft sign of a radial tear. (a) Sagittal PD-weighted contiguous MR images show a
vertically oriented cleft (arrows) “marching” from the free edge into the substance of the
meniscus at the junction of the body and anterior horn. (b) Axial fluid-sensitive reconstructed
MR image shows the oblique course of a radial tear (arrow) with respect to the sagittal plane,
which accounts for the MR imaging appearance of a tear propagating out of plane.
46.
47. Complete root tear. (a, b) Coronal PD-weighted (a) and axial fluid-sensitive
reconstructed (b) MR images show a complete posterior root tear (arrow).
51. (12a) A radial tear (arrow) truncates the central attachment/root of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus on this
fat suppressed proton density-weighted coronal image. Associated medial subluxation of the meniscal body(arrow)
52.
53. Radial tear with truncation of the posterior root of the medial meniscus. Axial, coronal and sagittal
PD FS MR show meniscal extrusion (B) and the "ghost meniscus" sign of absent meniscal tissue (C).
59. Radial tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (small arrow).
Wrisberg ligament
60.
61. (16a) Sagittal and (16b) axial proton density weighted images reveal a very large radial tear
(arrows) that extends broadly across the entire width of the anterior body of the lateral meniscus.
62.
63. Complex tear. Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows both vertical (arrowhead)
and horizontal (arrow) components. Complex tears typically appear fragmented.
64.
65. A GRE T2*-weighted sagittal image reveals a complex tear of the posterior horn of the
medial meniscus, having horizontal (arrows) and longitudinal (arrowhead) components.
66. Bucket-handle tear. (a) Diagram shows a longitudinal tear (white arrow), with central
displacement (red arrows) of the inner segment or “handle.” (b) Axial fluid-sensitive
reconstructed MR image shows a rare bucket-handle tear that involves only about one-third
of the meniscus (arrow). Typically this type of tear involves the majority of the meniscus.
67.
68. Displaced tear. (a) Coronal T2-weighted MR image shows a flipped fragment within the intercondylar
notch (arrow) from a complex tear of the MM. (b) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows a large
flipped fragment (arrow) in the popliteal recess from a torn LM. (c) Coronal PD-weighted MR image
(left) and corresponding anteroposterior radiograph (right) show a laterally displaced meniscal
fragment (arrowheads) extending into the superior recess, with central areas of chondrocalcinosis.
69.
70. MR imaging signs of a bucket-handle tear. (a) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows the absent bow-tie sign, with non-
visualization of the meniscal body (arrows). (b) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows the fragment within the intercondylar
notch sign, with a centrally displaced meniscal fragment (arrow) eccentric to the PCL. This finding is commonly seen with lateral
tears because an intact ACL impedes the fragment from reaching the level of the PCL. (c) Sagittal PD-weighted MR image shows
the double PCL sign, with a displaced fragment from the MM anterior and parallel to the PCL (arrow). (d) Sagittal PD-weighted
MR image shows the double anterior horn sign, with a meniscal fragment (white arrow) posterior to and displacing the native
anterior horn (black arrow) and a markedly diminutive posterior horn (arrowhead).
74. Fat-suppressed coronal images demonstrate before and after images following repair of a
bucket handle tear. In (17a), the preoperative study, a large displaced "handle" (arrow) from the
body of the lateral meniscus is seen near the intercondylar notch. Only a small peripheral rim of
meniscal tissue (arrowhead) is present at the native site of the lateral meniscus.
75.
76. Bucket-handle tear
(BHT): Graphic, axial,
coronal and sagittal
PD FS MR show large
intercondylar notch
fragments (A-E),
creating a "double
PCL" sign anterior to
the posterior cruciate
ligament (D) and a
“double delta” sign
(D).Broken bucket-
handle tear (E).
77.
78. Flipped meniscus:
Graphic, axial, coronal
and sagittal PD FS MR
show a lateral flipped
meniscus. In this tear, a
large portion of the
posterior horn is
displaced anteriorly and
lies adjacent to the
anterior horn. Notice
the "double meniscus"
sign (D,E). Severely
truncated posterior horn
(C, D, E).
86. (8a) The curvilinear course of oblique tears often results in abnormal vertical signal (arrows) that
progresses towards or away from the free edge of the meniscus on consecutive images, as seen in
these sequential images of an oblique tear (arrows) of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.
92. Normal healing sequence. Typical worsening in the first scans - intrameniscal
signal after surgery is worse then before surgery. No healing disturbance.
93. Normal healing sequence. Typical worsening in the first scans - intrameniscal
signal after surgery is worse then before surgery. Any of these scans without
sequentional imaging would be difficult to differentiate from disturbed healing.
96. Partial tear of the proximal anteromedial band of the anterior
cruciate ligament and tear of the medial collateral ligament.
Anterior cruciate ligament.
97.
98. A fat-suppressed proton-density sagittal view of an acute partial ACL tear depicts focal increased signal
of the ACL (arrowheads) and a wavy contour of posterior fibers, which remain in continuity (arrow).
117. Sagittal T2W MRI demonstrates typical appearance of ACL
tear at the mid-substance with fibres discontinuity of ACL.
118.
119. Sagittal T2W MRI image demonstrates avulsion of ACL from tibial attachment.
120.
121. LEFT: Acute ACL-tear. ACL fibers too flat compared to condylar roof. RIGHT: Discontinuity of fibers.
122.
123. Primary signs of anterior cruciate ligament tear. Sagittal intermediate-weighted images of three
different patients showing different patterns of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. A: Typical appearance of ACL
tear at the mid-substance with fibres discontinuity of ACL (arrowheads). Residual stumps on femoral (asterisk) and
tibial sides (white arrow) are lax, thickened and increased in signal intensity; B: Chronic ACL tear with absence of
normal ACL fibres compatible with complete resorption of fibres. PCL (Curved black arrow); C: Acute high grade
intrasubstance tear as characterized by thickening and edematous change of ACL fibres which show increased signal
intensity (white arrows). The fibres are still in continuity suggestive of partial ACL tear.
124.
125. (a) Normal sagittal image of ACL seen
on 2 slices. The ligament is intact
(green line) and parallels Blumesaat
line (white line). (b-e) Sag PD images
of different patients with complete
ACL tear (red line). (b) ACL fibres are
discontinuous, (c-d) different patients
with mid ACL complete tear with
flattened distal fibres. (e) Complete
ACL tear with small bunched distal
fibres. There is also complete tear of
the proximal PCL (blue line).
126.
127. (a) Sagittal T2-weighted MRI, complete disruption of the ACL fibres. (b)
Avulsion of the tibial attachment of the ACL (arrows). (c) Same patient on CT.
152. A 3-D cutaway at the intercondylar notch in the sagittal plane reveals normal positioning
for a patellar tendon ACL autograft. The tibial tunnel should lie posterior to the line
drawn parallel to the intercondylar notch (red) and the femoral attachment should lie
posterior to a line drawn parallel to the cortex of the distal femoral diaphysis (blue).
153.
154. The sagittal image reveals diffuse edema and abnormal laxity (arrows)
along the course of the ACL graft, compatible with graft rupture. A
displaced femoral fixation pin (arrowhead) is also apparent.
155.
156. Femoral tunnel is normally positioned at
the junction of the physeal scar and
posterior intercondylar roof (asterisk).
Abnormal placement of the femoral tunnel
(asterisk), which lies significantly anterior to
a line drawn along the posterior cortex of the
femoral diaphysis with graft degeneration.
160. Cyclops lesion (arrowheads) attached to the ACL (arrow) with a head-like
appearance, showing a focal area of discoloration resembling an eye (curved arrow)
161.
162. Hypointense to isointense nodule (arrowhead) attached to the anterior surface of the
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft (arrow). Sagittal T1W MRI image (C) shows a
hypointense nodule (arrowhead) in the anterior intercondylar notch, related to Cyclops.
163.
164. ACL reconstruction are provided. Diffuse abnormal fluid signal
intensity is seen along the course of the graft (arrows) on the
sagittal image, compatible with extensive graft ganglion formation.
172. Cor PD images of 3 patients showing thickened MCL with some
disruption of fibres proximally in keeping with partial tears.
173.
174. Cor PD images of
different patients with
complete distal MCL tear.
Top left image shows
complete disruption of
distal fibres (yellow
arrow). Top right and
bottom left images show
complete MCL tear with
retracted and coiled up
MCL (red arrow), tear of
the medial meniscus is
also seen (black arrow).
Bottom right image
shows complete
discontinuity of MCL
with hemorrhage
(orange arrow) with
muscle tears and
hematoma in vastus
lateralis (yellow star).
180. LEFT: distal rupture of fibular collateral ligament. RIGHT: biceps
femoris tendon and collateral ligament do not attach.
181.
182. Posterolateral corner injury with complete tear of the lateral collateral ligament (blue
arrow) and biceps tendon (white arrow). There is also avulsion of the popliteal tendon (not
shown) with muscle edema (red star). There is fluid decompressed out of the lateral side of
the knee joint into the subcutaneous tissues and interfacial plane (yellow star).
184. Complete tear of the medial patellar retinaculum with defect
(white arrow) with retracted fibres in the patellofemoral
compartment (yellow arrow). There is also a partial tear of the
lateral patellar retinaculum (orange arrow) with lateral femoral
condyle contusion (red star) and fascial edema (blue arrow).
Patellar retinaculum
185.
186. Ax PD FS images (a) with complete medial patellar retinaculum tear (red arrow) and
capsular disruption (orange star). (b) Shows complete lateral patellar retinaculum and
iliotibial band tear (orange arrow) with capsular disruption (orange star). Bony contusions
are seen on the contralateral femoral condyle (yellow star).
187.
188. Iliotibial Band Friction syndrome: no fat between
iliotibial band (yellow arrow) and the lateral condyle.
189.
190. Cor PD images from 3 different patients showing complete iliotibial
band tear (red arrow) with capsular disruption (orange star)
194. A sagittal T2 fat sat image depicts a high grade partial tear of the quadriceps tendon. The distal edge (red arrow) of
the tendon is well seen, as is the large hematoma (green arrow). The patella (pink arrow) is positioned more
inferiorly than normal, and the patellar tendon (white arrow) is lax, suggesting that this is functionally a complete
tear. The deep layer of the quadriceps tendon, composed of the vastus intermedius (yellow arrow), remains intact.
195.
196. Partial quadriceps tendon tear: T2W-images.LEFT: Abnormal attachment of tendon. RIGHT:
Most of tendon is retracted (red arrow) deep part (vastus intermedius) is still intact.
197.
198. LEFT: Torn tendon with pre-existing tendinopathy (red
arrow). RIGHT: Intact vastus intermedius tendon.
199.
200. LEFT: Partial quadriceps tear. Only rectus femoris tendon is torn (blue
arrow). RIGHT: Pre-existing tendinopathy (yellow circle) on axial image.
201.
202. The quadriceps tendon attaches to the superior aspect of the patella and, together with the quadriceps muscles of the thigh and the
patellar ligament, allows knee extension. Strains and overuse injuries to the quadriceps tendon are common and result in microscopic
tears and inflammation. Following a quadriceps tendon injury, patients may or may not be able to ambulate. Tendon rupture can be
manifested as abnormal thickening of the tendon (left image) or as complete, revealing retraction of the quadriceps tendon (right image).
Individuals with a complete tear will be unable to extend the knee and often have a palpable defect at the site of tendon rupture. Initial
management consists of immobilization, crutches, rest, ice, and elevation. Complete tendon rupture requires surgical repair.
203.
204. A, B, Sagittal MRI scans demonstrating a quadriceps tendon tear at the osteotendinous junction.
218. LEFT: Bone bruise lateral condyle (yellow circle). Normal MCL (green arrow) but missing patellar femoral
ligament anterior to it. RIGHT: Medial patellar femoral ligament thorn from femoral attachment.
219.
220. LEFT: Bone bruise medial patella (green arrow).RIGHT: Cartilage fracture.
242. Osgood-Schlutter disease. A, Lateral radiograph. B, Proton density sagittal image of the knee
demonstrates tibial tuberosity fragmentation. C, A T2-weighted fat suppression sagittal image
demonstrates edema of the tibial fragmentation (arrow) and adjacent Hoffa’s fat pad.
260. Superficial infrapatellar bursitis. A 42-year-old female presented with an anterior
knee swelling. Sagittal proton-density fat saturated (A) and sagittal gradient-echo
T2W (B) images show a distended superficial infrapatellar bursa (arrows)
264. Suprapatellar bursitis. A 29-year-old male presented with internal derangement of the knee: sagittal
proton density fat saturated (A) and axial T2W gradient-echo (B) images show a distended suprapatellar
bursa (arrows) and in addition, a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (thick arrow in A)
265.
266. Medial collateral ligament bursitis located between the deep MCL
(yellow arrow) and the superficial MCL (green arrow).
267.
268. Medial collateral ligament bursitis. A 54-year-old female presented with knee swelling: sagittal true inversion
recovery magnitude (TIRM) (A) and axial T2W (B) images show a distended medial collateral ligament burse (arrows)
269.
270. Pes anserine bursitis. A 32-year-old female presented with pain along the posteromedial aspect of
the knee: Coronal proton density (A) and axial T2W (B) images show a distended pes anserine
bursa (arrows). The pes anserinus tendons (arrowhead in B) are seen inferior to the bursa
274. Baker's cyst. A 48-year-old male presented with swelling in the popliteal fossa: sagittal (A) and axial
(B) T2W gradient-echo images show a distended gastrocnemius--semimembranosus bursa (arrows).
288. T1-weighted sagittal and (9b) proton density-weighted axial images demonstrate a large, fluid signal intensity mass (arrows) which
fills the infrapatellar fat pad in this patient who presented with palpable anterior knee swelling. The well-defined, homogeneous
appearance of the lesion is typical for a benign ganglion, but in light of lesion size, intravenous contrast was administered
296. Patella Alta. Measurement of the Insall-Salvatti Index on Sagittal 2D GE MRI images of the left (6a) and right
(6b) knees of the patient in the unknown case demonstrates ISI values which are diagnostic of patella alta.
297.
298. Patella Baja. Demonstration of an abnormal MRI Insall-Salvatti Index measurement on a patient with
patella baja (7a). The patient in 7b and 7c is post operative tibial tubercle transfer and demonstrates
thickening of the patellar tendon insertion (arrows) and scarring in the infrapatellar fat pad (asterisk)
(7b) and an abnormal MRI Insall-Salvatti Index of 0.51 (7c) which is diagnostic of patella baja.