The Journal of Knee Surgery Reports 2015; 1(01): 057-059
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1551549
Case Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Sonographic Diagnosis of an Acute Lateral Meniscus Tear in a Division I Collegiate American Football Player

Olubusola A. Brimmo
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
,
Patrick A. Smith
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
,
Cristi R. Cook
2   Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
,
James L. Cook
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

04 November 2014

09 March 2015

Publication Date:
26 May 2015 (online)

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.

 
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