MR imaging of meniscal and cartilage injuries of the knee.

This article addresses the role of MR imaging in the evaluation of meniscal injuries, with emphasis placed on the common meniscal injuries, including horizontal, longitudinal, radial, and flap tears. An understanding of typical meniscal postoperative findings, together with those factors responsible for the misinterpretation of meniscal abnormalities, is essential for the accurate assessment of MR imaging in the athlete. This article also reviews the common articular cartilage injuries identified in the knee. MR imaging is the imaging modality of choice for the assessment of the menisci and articular cartilage, with the ready availability of MR imaging allowing for the rapid assessment of the injured athlete.