Meniscal tear configurations: categorization with MR imaging.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MR imaging for categorizing the configuration of meniscal tears of the knee.


METHODS
Fast spin-echo MR images obtained at 1.5 T from 110 patients who had meniscal tears identified at arthroscopy were retrospectively and independently classified by two reviewers into five configurations: horizontal, longitudinal, radial, oblique, and complex. MR imaging categorization was compared with arthroscopic results as the standard of reference. Data were also analyzed with longitudinal and oblique tears combined because these usually are reparable, and with horizontal, radial, and complex tears combined because these usually are not reparable. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were calculated using kappa coefficients.


RESULTS
At arthroscopy, meniscal tears were categorized as horizontal (n = 44), longitudinal (n = 34), complex (n = 22), radial (n = 11), and oblique (n = 5). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each reviewer for the reparable tears were 82%, 92%, and 89%; and 59%, 97%, and 84%, respectively. Interobserver agreements were fair between reviewer 1 and the first and second interpretations of reviewer 2 (kappa = 0.25, p < 0.005; and kappa = 0.21, p < 0.05, respectively). Intraobserver agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.71, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging was accurate for predicting reparable meniscal tears and was sensitive for the determination of nonreparable tears.
Jee
Won-Hee
WH
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The Catholic University of Korea, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, 505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-Ku, 137-701 Seoul, Korea.
McCauley
Thomas R
TR
Kim
Jung-Man
JM
Jun
Dong-Jin
DJ
Lee
Young-Joon
YJ
Choi
Byung-Gil
BG
Choi
Kyu-Ho
KH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries