MRI Results

Hi.  I am a 33 year old very active male and I recently had an MRI on my right knee and was hoping someone could help me in understanding the results..  I have had pain for a few years but it seems to have gotten worse over the last year  I have a follow up appointment on the 15th with Ortho and I just want to be intelligent about my Knee (i.e. how bad is this?) issue before I go in.  My results are below, any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Comparison: Plain radiographs of the right knee dated 20 January 2013.

Technique: Multiplanar, multisequence imaging of the knee was obtained using a
3.0 T magnet without contrast.

Findings:

ACL: Intact
PCL: Intact.
MCL: Intact.
LCL: Intact.
POSTEROLATERAL CORNER: Intact

MEDIAL MENISCUS: There is extensive increased intrasubstance signal within the
posterior horn of the medial meniscus with a dominant linear component which
extends through to the superior articular surface. This abnormal signal extends
into the posterior root ligament. There is a 3 to 4 mm para meniscal cyst
located posteriorly.
LATERAL MENISCUS: Intact.

EXTENSOR MECHANISM: The quadriceps and patellar tendons are intact.

FAT PADS: Normal.

CARTILAGE:
Patellofemoral compartment: Intact.
Medial compartment: Intact.
Lateral compartment: Intact.

BONE MARROW: Normal.

OTHER: No significant joint effusion.

Impression:

1. Degeneration of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus with horizontal
tear which surfaces superiorly and additionally extends into the posterior root
ligament. Additionally there is a 3 or 4 mm para meniscal cyst posteriorly.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The MRI describes a tear and associated degenerative changes of one of the cartilage discs that lies towards the inner side within the joint to aid in smooth movement and a cyst that has developed close to this lining cartilage disc (meniscus).
Hope this information is helpful.

Take care!

[Swerdarocks]

Does this mean I will most likely need surgery to repiar?  I am very active, I snowboard in the winter, Wakeboard in the summer, golf, Coach my daughters soccer teams.  All of these activities are really painful for me now and I just want to be able to continue to live my active lifestyle.  Thanks for you response.