Findings
Sagittal, coronal, axial PDFS MRI images of knee joint reveal horizontal tear reaching inferior articular surface of body and posterior horn of medial meniscus with a small lobulated parameniscal cyst along posterior aspect of posterior horn of medial meniscus. Multiple thin internal septations are seen in parameniscal cyst.
Diagnosis
Horizontal tear of medial meniscus with parameniscal cyst.
Summary
Radiologist should look for parmeniscal cysts in all cases of meniscal tear as they may be difficult to visualize by both arthrography and arthroscopy because of their extra-articular location and management differs based on presence or absence of parameniscal cysts. MRI is the method of choice for evaluating cystic masses adjacent to the knee joint and meniscal tears. The preoperative detection of a meniscal cyst by MRI is important for surgical planning of meniscal repair and cyst decompression. Unnecessary surgical intervention may be prevented by an MRI that distinguishes other para-articular fluid collections from true parameniscal cysts.
Further reads
Tyson, L. L., Daughters, T. C., Jr, Ryu, R. K., & Crues, J. V., 3rd (1995). MRI appearance of meniscal cysts. Skeletal radiology, 24(6), 421–424. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00941237
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