Abstract
Preoperative diagnosis of meniscal tears in the United States is typically determined
from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, MRI diagnosis of meniscal pathology
is not a point-of-injury imaging modality. This results in potential treatment delays.
Ultrasonography provides a method for highly reliable, immediate, and point-of-injury
diagnosis of meniscal pathology. We present a case of an acute tear of the lateral
meniscus in a collegiate athlete that was diagnosed in the training room immediately
after injury using ultrasonography. The diagnosis was subsequently verified by MRI
and arthroscopy. The patient was treated with partial meniscectomy and experienced
an uneventful recovery with return to sport 3 weeks after injury. This case report
supports the potential capabilities of ultrasonography as an effective and efficient
point-of-injury diagnostic tool for athletes with suspected meniscal pathology.
Keywords
meniscal tears - magnetic resonance imaging - ultrasonography - diagnosis
