MR assessment of meniscal movement during knee flexion: Correlation with the severity of cartilage abnormality in the femorotibial. joint

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of meniscal mov ement during knee flexion on MR images and to correlate it with the severit y of cartilage damage in the femorotibial joint. Method: Sagittal MR images were obtained at extension and 45 degrees of fle xion in 35 knees. A shortening ratio in the distance between the anterior a nd posterior horns at 0-45 degrees of knee flexion was calculated in each m eniscus and was correlated with the degree of cartilage abnormality in the femorotibial joint. Results: The shortening ratio of the meniscus was reduced in knees with car tilage abnormality in the femorotibial joint. The shortening ratio of the m edial meniscus was inversely correlated with the degree of cartilage abnorm ality in the medial femoral condyle and with that in the medial tibial plat eau. Conclusion: Restricted shortening ratio of the meniscus may be related to c artilage damage in the femorotibial joint.