MRI is the modality of choice to assess meniscal tears and detect other associated injuries, such as ligamentous tears and articular cartilage damage (Fig. 6.74A). Arthroscopy is usually performed to repair a tear, debride the damaged meniscal material, or rarely remove the entire torn meniscus (Fig. 6.74B).
In the clinic
The collateral ligaments are responsible for stabilizing the knee joint, controlling its sideway movements, and protecting the knee from excessive motion.