Meniscus Injury Diagnosis

The meniscus is an important cartilage structure of the knee joint, mainly responsible for shock absorption and stabilization. Injuries often result from intense sports, twisting, or degenerative changes. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, damage may worsen, leading to increased knee pain, restricted movement, and even osteoarthritis. Diagnosis requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and multiple imaging methods to accurately locate the lesion and assess severity, providing a basis for treatment planning.

Diagnostic Basis of Meniscus Injury

1. Clinical Manifestations

Knee pain is the most typical symptom of meniscus injury. Most patients feel persistent dull pain on the inner or outer side of the knee, aggravated by activity. Joint swelling, effusion, and locking sensations are often present, especially during knee flexion with weight-bearing. These manifestations are important clues for preliminary diagnosis.

2. Physical Examination

Specific physical tests such as McMurray’s test and Apley’s compression test help determine meniscus injury. Positive test results often indicate meniscus tears and allow preliminary localization of the damaged area, aiding in differentiation from other soft tissue injuries.

3. Imaging Examinations

X-rays are mainly used to exclude fractures and bony lesions but cannot directly visualize the meniscus. MRI clearly displays meniscus structure and tear morphology and is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Ultrasound serves as an adjunct, assessing soft tissue injury and allowing dynamic observation.

4. Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique, allows direct visualization of intra-articular structures, accurately diagnosing meniscus tears and other lesions. It is suitable for difficult cases or detailed preoperative evaluation, though it carries some invasiveness and surgical risk.

5. Laboratory Tests

Blood and inflammatory marker testing are mainly used to exclude infectious or inflammatory joint diseases, preventing misdiagnosis and mistreatment, and ensuring diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that early and accurate diagnosis of meniscus injuries is crucial for developing effective treatment plans. Combining clinical manifestations with advanced imaging technologies enables precise assessment of the extent and nature of the injury. Modern stem cell therapy provides new possibilities for tissue repair and functional recovery, offering new hope for patients. Scientific diagnosis and active treatment together promote health and prevent further deterioration of joint function.