Relationship between osteoarthritis findings in knee radiography and meniscus lesion in magnetic resonance imaging in symptomatic knee pain cases

Abstract

Aim: Knee osteoarthritis is a very common joint disease in the community. However, some meniscus lesions are asymptomatic. Studies show that a significant number of individuals with knee pain without radiographic osteoarthritis findings show meniscus injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between meniscus lesions and the presence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis in individuals over 50 years of age with knee pain complaints.

Methods: Radiographic and MRI results of two hundred and forty patients who applied to our hospital with the complaint of knee pain between August 2018 and January 2020 were analyzed. Radiographic grading for knee osteoarthritis was performed using the Kellgren Lawrence scale. Classification of meniscus lesions in MRI was made as per the criteria defined by the British Knee Meniscus Surgery Association. Intergroup results were evaluated statistically.

Results: Osteoarthritis was detected in 110 (45.8%) of 240 knee radiographs. In 78.3% of all cases, meniscus lesions were detected in 96.4% of those with osteoarthritis and 63% of those without osteoarthritis. In patients with osteoarthritis, the prevalence of surgically targeted and possible target lesions was found to be significantly higher than those with no arthritis findings.

Conclusions: According to our study results, meniscus lesions were found quite common in individuals with knee pain, especially those with osteoarthritis. Particularly in patients with radiographic osteoarthritis findings, surgical targets and possible target meniscus lesions were more common than those without osteoarthritis findings. Therefore, MRI, in addition to direct radiography, should not be overlooked when determining treatment.