Clinical examination, MRI and arthroscopy in meniscal and ligamentous knee Injuries - a prospective study

Evaluation and Treatment of Knee Pain: A Review

Importance

Approximately 5% of all primary care visits in adults are related to knee pain. Osteoarthritis (OA), patellofemoral pain, and meniscal tears are among the most common causes of knee pain.

Observations

Knee OA, affecting an estimated 654 million people worldwide, is the most likely diagnosis of knee pain in patients aged 45 years or older who present with activity-related knee joint pain with no or less than 30 minutes of morning stiffness (95% sensitivity; 69% specificity). Patellofemoral pain typically affects people younger than 40 years who are physically active and has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 25%. The presence of anterior knee pain during a squat is approximately 91% sensitive and 50% specific for patellofemoral pain. Meniscal tears affect an estimated 12% of the adult population and can occur following acute trauma (eg, twisting injury) in people younger than 40 years. Alternatively, a meniscal tear may be a degenerative condition present in patients with knee OA who are aged 40 years or older. The McMurray test, consisting of concurrent knee rotation (internal or external to test lateral or medial meniscus, respectively) and extension (61% sensitivity; 84% specificity), and joint line tenderness (83% sensitivity; 83% specificity) assist diagnosis of meniscal tears. Radiographic imaging of all patients with possible knee OA is not recommended. First-line management of OA comprises exercise therapy, weight loss (if overweight), education, and self-management programs to empower patients to better manage their condition. Surgical referral for knee joint replacement can be considered for patients with end-stage OA (ie, no or minimal joint space with inability to cope with pain) after using all appropriate conservative options. For patellofemoral pain, hip and knee strengthening exercises in combination with foot orthoses or patellar taping are recommended, with no indication for surgery. Conservative management (exercise therapy for 4-6 weeks) is also appropriate for most meniscal tears. For severe traumatic (eg, bucket-handle) tears, consisting of displaced meniscal tissue, surgery is likely required. For degenerative meniscal tears, exercise therapy is first-line treatment; surgery is not indicated even in the presence of mechanical symptoms (eg, locking, catching).

Conclusions and Relevance

Knee OA, patellofemoral pain, and meniscal tears are common causes of knee pain, can be diagnosed clinically, and can be associated with significant disability. First-line treatment for each condition consists of conservative management, with a focus on exercise, education, and self-management.

The Validation of Clinical Examination and MRI as a Diagnostic Tool for Cruciate Ligaments and Meniscus Injuries of the Knee Against Diagnostic Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to compare the accuracy of MRI findings and clinical examination of ligamentous and meniscal injuries of the knee, taking arthroscopy as a standard diagnostic tool in knee injuries.  Methods: All patients with knee injuries attending the outpatient department or emergency of our hospital underwent clinical examination. Out of them, 60 patients with knee injuries were subjected to clinical examination, MRI, and then arthroscopy. The findings of these diagnostic tools in respect to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and meniscus injuries were validated, compared, and analyzed using various statistical tools. The accuracy, sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and specificity were calculated and an agreement between various tests was established using kappa statistics.

RESULTS

The accuracy of clinical examination in our study was 88% for ACL tears, 85% for meniscal tears, and 100% for PCL tears. The kappa measure of agreement between arthroscopy and clinical finding and MRI for ACL was 0.610 and 0.698, respectively, which was statistically significant. MRI (98.1) was found to be a more sensitive test for detecting ACL injury than clinical examination (90.4%) resulting in higher diagnostic accuracy (98.3%), while diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination and MRI was found to be 100% for PCL injuries. Hence, MRI is an excellent screening tool for ligamentous and meniscal injuries of the knee joint. We can avoid diagnostic arthroscopy in patients with knee injuries having equivocal clinical and MRI examinations and can proceed for therapeutic arthroscopy to deal with such injuries.  Conclusions: For the assessment of ligamentous and meniscal injuries, MRI is an accurate and noninvasive modality. It can be used as a first-line investigation but arthroscopy remains the gold standard.

Outcomes of arthroscopic repair using the all-inside inter-leaf vertical suture technique for horizontal meniscal tears sustained in sports

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic repair using the all-inside inter-leaf vertical suture arthroscopic technique for sports-related horizontal meniscal tears.The inter-leaf vertical suture procedure was performed to repair sports-related horizontal tears in the middle and posterior segments of the medial (11 cases) and lateral (2 cases) menisci in 13 patients (mean age: 30 ± 14 years). Pre- and post-operative Barrett criteria, Lysholm scores, and patient ability to resume sports were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grades and signal intensity changes near the joint capsule were evaluated in the 9 cases among which pre- and post-operative MRI images were available.All Barrett criteria items were negative following surgery; Lysholm scores increased from 70.2 ± 13.1 before surgery to 98.9 ± 2.64 after surgery (P < .01). All patients were able to resume their sport. Preoperative MRI grade of tears was 3 for all patients; postoperative MRI grades were 1 in 3 cases, 2 in 4 cases, and 3 in 2 cases (P < .05). Importantly, MRI signal intensity at the repaired menisci near the joint capsule was reduced in 8 of these 9 cases postoperatively.The inter-leaf vertical suture procedure is associated with good outcomes for horizontal tears in the middle and posterior segments of the medial and lateral menisci. The procedure is useful and convenient.

Comparison of Accuracy in Expert Clinical Examination versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopic Exam in Diagnosis of Meniscal Tear

Background

Many clinical tests and diagnostic studies have been developed to increase the clinician's ability to accurately diagnose disorders of the knee. Torn menisci or ligamentous structures within the knee cause significant pain and disability and thus require expeditious management. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of clinical examination in comparison with MRI examination and with the help of arthroscopic examination as the gold standard in the diagnosis of meniscal tears.

Method

All of the arthroscopic surgery candidates, presenting symptoms of meniscal or cruciate ligament lesions, referring to Namazi and Chamran hospitals, Shiraz, Iran, were included in this study. Clinical examination (including McMurray test, Apley test, and 20 Thessaly test) was performed before the arthroscopy, and the results were recorded in special forms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were also added. Then, arthroscopy was performed, declaring the definite diagnosis, and the results were compared to the results obtained from both tests and MRI. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

86 patients with a mean age of 27 years old, including 63 (73%) male and 23 (27%) female, were studied. 57 (66%), 19 (22%), and 10 (12%) injuries were caused by sports, twisting, or trauma, respectively. Arthroscopic results showed 32 meniscal tears, of which 28 (87%) and 4 (13%) were in medial and lateral menisci, respectively, including 10 bucket handle, 17 longitudinal, and 5 of other types (transverse, oblique, radial) of injuries. Comparing MRI results to arthroscopic results, we had 2 false-positive and 2 false-negative cases. 62 cases of McMurray test results were accurate; 15 and 9 cases were reported false positive and false negative, respectively. 60 cases of Apley test results were accurate; 16 and 10 cases were reported false positive and false negative, respectively. 78 cases of Thessaly test results were accurate; 5 and 3 cases were reported false positive and false negative, respectively. Comparing Thessaly test results to McMurray and Apley showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). Comparing Thessaly test results to MRI showed no statistical significance (P = 0.151), while comparing McMurray and Apley test results to MRI showed statistical significance (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Clinical examination, performed by an experienced examiner, can have equal or even more diagnostic accuracy compared to MRI to evaluate meniscal lesions. In this study, the Thessaly test has been approved as a reliable clinical test in the diagnosis of meniscal tears.

The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of non-osseous knee injury at Steve Biko Academic Hospital

Background

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has internationally been proven to reduce unnecessary knee arthroscopies and assist with surgical planning. This has the advantage of avoiding unnecessary surgery and the associated anaesthetic risk, as well as reducing costs. No data were found in the recently published literature assessing the accuracy of MRI interpretation of knee ligament injury in the public sector locally.

Objectives

This pilot study aimed to determine the accuracy of MRI in detecting non-osseous knee injury in a resource-limited tertiary-level academic hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, compared to the gold standard arthroscopy findings.

Method

This was an exploratory retrospective analysis of 39 patients who had MRI and arthroscopy at Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH). True positive, true negative, false positive and false negative results were extrapolated from findings in both modalities and translated into sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for each structure.

Results

Negative predictive values were recorded as 97%, 81%, 90% and 100% (anterior cruciate ligament [ACL], medial meniscus [MM], lateral meniscus [LM] and posterior cruciate ligament [PCL], respectively), which were comparative to recently published international literature. The PPV results were lower than those previously evaluated at 55%, 58%, 55% and not applicable. The sensitivities and specificities of the ligaments were 83%, 58%, 83% and not applicable; and 87%, 81%, 70% and not applicable, respectively.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging was found to be sensitive and specific, with a high NPV noted in all structures evaluated. Negative results can therefore be used to avoid unnecessary surgery to the benefit of the patient and state. The study reiterates that high accuracy can be obtained from MRI on a 1.5-tesla non-dedicated scanner, with interpretation by generalist radiologists.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF THE LEVER SIGN IN DETECTING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TEARS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. With the prevalence of ACL tears increasing, there is a growing need for clinical tests to rule in and rule out a suspected tear. A new clinical test for detecting ACL tears has been introduced with preliminary studies showing promising results.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

To systematically review and analyze information from the current literature on the diagnostic accuracy of the Lever Sign test for the use of diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in a clinical setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A computerized search of PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, and Proquest databases as well as a hand-search was completed on all available literature using keywords relating to the diagnostic accuracy of the Lever Sign Test. A quality assessment was performed on each article included in this review utilizing the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS).

RESULTS

Eight articles were included, with only three studies exhibiting high quality, however the study samples were heterogenous. Included studies indicated that the Lever Sign test is both sensitive and specific in diagnosing ACL tears. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.77 and 0.90, respectively. The negative likelihood ratio is 0.22 and the positive likelihood ratio is 6.60.

CONCLUSION

The Lever Sign test is comparable to other clinical tests used in current practice to detect an ACL rupture. The pooled data from current available literature on the Lever Sign indicate that a positive or negative test should result in a moderate shift in post-test probability. This test may be used in addition to other tests to rule in and rule out the presence of an ACL rupture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2a- Systematic Review of Level 2 diagnostic studies.

Knee Pain and Mobility Impairments: Meniscal and Articular Cartilage Lesions Revision 2018

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopaedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these revised clinical practice guidelines is to review recent peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to meniscus and articular cartilage lesions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018;48(2):A1-A50. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0301.

Knee Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Knee Ligament Sprain Revision 2017

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopaedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these revised clinical practice guidelines is to review recent peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to knee ligament sprain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(11):A1-A47. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.0303.

A new anterior inferior coronal patellar plica

PURPOSE

To date, four synovial plicae are classically described in the knee. We report a previously undescribed new inferior patellar plica, named "bib-like plica" (BLP, referring to its morphology) related to specific symptoms of atypical recurrent anterior knee pain in the presence of a locked or pseudo-locked knee. We describe this anatomical structure, and assess its clinical relevance in daily practice in terms of clinical pattern and long-term follow-up outcome after arthroscopic excision.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 1033 arthroscopic procedures, selecting patients in whom a knee arthroscopy was indicated following recurrent painful episodes of locking or pseudo-locking not explained by traditional imaging or helped by conservative treatment. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lysholm knee score, a physical exam and a satisfaction interview were used to evaluate the clinical status at the latest follow-up.

RESULTS

We report 12 patients (8 males, 4 females; mean age 34.2 years) in whom a BLP had been identified at arthroscopy. At a mean follow-up of 13.4 years from its excision, the mean VAS and Lysholm knee score were 9.8 and 100 respectively. In all instances, selective removal of the BLP restored a complete painless functional range of motion documented within 2 months, and confirmed at the latest follow-up. No patient reported locking recurrence or pain, or underwent further surgery, and all were satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS

The BLP, detected in about 1% of knee arthroscopies in our setting, is strongly associated with a recurrent painful locking knee. Arthroscopic removal produces resolution of symptoms.

Ex vivo quantitative multiparametric MRI mapping of human meniscus degeneration

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of T1, T1ρ, T2, T2*, and UTE-T2* (ultrashort-echo time-enhanced T2*) mapping in the refined graduation of human meniscus degeneration with histology serving as standard-of-reference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved intra-individual comparative ex vivo study was performed on 24 lateral meniscus body samples obtained from 24 patients undergoing total knee replacement. Samples were assessed on a 3.0-T MRI scanner using inversion-recovery (T1), spin-lock multi-gradient-echo (T1ρ), multi-spin-echo (T2) and multi-gradient-echo (T2* and UTE-T2*) sequences to determine relaxation times of quantitative MRI (qMRI) parameters. Relaxation times were calculated on the respective maps, averaged to the entire meniscus and to its zones. Histologically, samples were analyzed on a four-point score according to Williams (0-III). QMRI results and Williams (sub)scores were correlated using Spearman's ρ, while Williams grade-dependent differences were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Sensitivities and specificities in the detection of intact (Williams grade [WG]-0) and severely degenerate meniscus (WG-II-III) were calculated.

RESULTS

Except for T2*, significant increases in qMRI parameters with increasing Williams grades were observed. T1, T1ρ, T2, and UTE-T2* exhibited high sensitivity and variable specificity rates. Significant marked-to-strong correlations were observed for these parameters with each other, with histological WGs and the subscores tissue integrity and cellularity.

CONCLUSIONS

QMRI mapping holds promise in the objective evaluation of human meniscus. Although sufficient discriminatory power of T1, T1ρ, T2, and UTE-T2* was only demonstrated for the histological extremes, these data may aid in the future MRI-based parameterization and quantification of human meniscus degeneration.

Repair of isolated horizontal meniscal tears with all-inside suture materials using the overlock method: outcome study with a minimum 2-year follow-up

Background

This study aimed to consider the use of a meniscal repair in patients in order to close the horizontal cleavage extending up to the avascular zone. The hypothesis was to examine the clinical and arthroscopic outcomes following meniscal repair of degenerative horizontal cleavage tears with new-generation all-inside suture materials using the overlock method.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 55 patients which had a horizontal pattern, and finally, 27 patients with a horizontal tear only which required no additional intra-articular surgical intervention were included in the study. Arthroscopic meniscal repair was performed using the overlock method. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Lysholm knee scoring scale, Cincinnati scores, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) criteria and Tegner activity scale. Assessment of meniscal healing was evaluated clinically by the presence of meniscal signs. The preoperative and postoperative MRIs were examined.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 29 months (range, 24–38). The mean Lysholm score improved significantly from 59.5 ± 12.4 points preoperatively to 90.0 ± 4.7 points postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The Cincinnati score increased from 14.8 ± 5.3 to 26.9 ± 1.6 (P < 0.0001). The Tegner activity score increased from 3.7 ± 1.4 to 6.4 ± 1.6 (P < 0.0001). The mean IKDC subjective score also improved significantly from 48.5 ± 9.8 preoperatively to 90.4 ± 5.0 postoperatively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Meniscal repair of degenerative horizontal tears using the overlock method resulted in improved Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores. With careful selection of the patients and the horizontal meniscus tears, the success of the meniscus repairs increases. Repair can be recommended for all horizontal meniscus tears which can be repaired arthroscopically.

Substance-P in symptomatic mediopatellar plica as a predictor of patellofemoral pain

The present study aimed to investigate the expression of a neuropeptide of symptomatic mediopatellar plica (MP) to prove that there was a significant correlation between the expression of substance-P (SP) in MP and patellofemoral pain. The specimens of synovial plica were obtained by knee arthroscopy. Semi-quantitative analysis was used to investigate the expression of SP, and compared the innervation density of SP among the three groups: Blank control (asymptomatic plica), positive control (symptomatic plica with other injuries) and experimental (symptomatic plica without other injuries) groups by the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls test in 60 patients. The expression levels of SP nerve fibers in the superior plica were 24.60±26.17, 117.36±73.62 and 59.06±44.06 in the blank control, positive control and experimental groups, respectively. The density of nerve fibers in medial plica was 23.23±18.41 in the blank control group, 268.00±71.60 in the positive control group and 255.44±87.91 in the experimental group. The density of nerve fibers of MP was higher compared to that of the superior plica. The density was highest in the positive control group, and lowest in the blank control group in MP. There was a close correlation between the density of SP expression and the degree of patellofemoral pain. The SP expression intensity has an important role in the incidence of patellofemoral pain and is responsible for the pathogenesis of symptomatic MP.

Evaluation of MRI versus arthroscopy in anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To find out the incidence of ACL & meniscal injuries, to co-relate MRI findings with arthroscopy by calculating Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive And Negative Predictive Values (PPV & NPV) keeping arthroscopy as a gold standard, to find out the degree of subluxation and to grade it and to find a threshold value of fluid in knee.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Prospective analytical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MRI of 230 patients with 71 arthroscopic co- relation in year 2012-14 was analysed.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics using Chi square test and predictive values was done. The spearman correlation coefficient was done by using statistical software SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was calculated (in %). For ACL it was 87.87, 81.57, 80.55, 88.57 for MM 93.54, 87.50, 85.29, 94.59 and for LM 77.77, 81.81, 72.41, 85.71 respectively. We found 35.6% incidence of anterior tibial subluxation with maximum patients having grade 1 category subluxation. Two hundred and one cases showed joint fluid in lateral aspect of the suprapatellar pouch (AP diameter >10mm) with internal derangement.

CONCLUSION

MRI is helpful in diagnosing meniscal and cruciate ligament injuries. Arthroscopy still remains gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

In-office diagnostic arthroscopy for knee and shoulder intra-articular injuries its potential impact on cost savings in the United States

Background

The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether in office diagnostic needle arthroscopy (Visionscope Imaging System [VSI]) can provide for improved diagnostic assessment and; more cost effective care.

Methods

Data on arthroscopy procedures in the US for deep seated pathology in the knee and shoulder were used (Calendar Year 2012). These procedures represent approximately 25-30% of all arthroscopic procedures performed annually. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive, and negative predictive values for MRI analysis of this deep seated pathology from systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used in assessing for false positive and false negative MRI findings. The costs of performing diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy procedures (using 2013 Medicare reimbursement amounts); costs associated with false negative findings; and the costs for treating associated complications arising from diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy procedures were then assessed.

Results

In patients presenting with medial meniscal pathology (ICD9CM diagnosis 836.0 over 540,000 procedures in CY 2012); use of the VSI system in place of MRI assessment (standard of care) resulted in a net cost savings to the system of $151 million. In patients presenting with rotator cuff pathology (ICD9CM 840.4 over 165,000 procedures in CY2012); use of VSI in place of MRI similarly saved $59 million. These savings were realized along with more appropriate care as; fewer patients were exposed to higher risk surgical arthroscopic procedures.

Conclusions

The use of an in-office arthroscopy system can: possibly save the US healthcare system money; shorten the diagnostic odyssey for patients; potentially better prepare clinicians for arthroscopic surgery (when needed) and; eliminate unnecessary outpatient arthroscopy procedures, which commonly result in surgical intervention.

Osteoarthritis: a review of strengths and weaknesses of different imaging options

Slowing of radiographic joint space narrowing represents the only recommended imaging-based outcome measure to assess structural disease progression in osteoarthritis (OA) clinical trials. There are no effective disease-modifying OA drugs. The ability of magnetic resonance (MR) to image structures within the knee and to visualize cartilage morphology and composition gives MR imaging a critical role in understanding the natural history of the disease and in the search for therapies. In this article, the roles and limitations of conventional radiography and MR imaging, focusing on knee OA, and the use of other modalities in clinical practice and OA research are described.

UTE-T2∗ mapping detects sub-clinical meniscus injury after anterior cruciate ligament tear

OBJECTIVE

Meniscus tear is a known risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). Quantitative assessment of meniscus degeneration, prior to surface break-down, is important to identification of early disease potentially amenable to therapeutic interventions. This work examines the diagnostic potential of ultrashort echo time-enhanced T2∗ (UTE-T2∗) mapping to detect human meniscus degeneration in vitro and in vivo in subjects at risk of developing OA.

DESIGN

UTE-T2∗ maps of 16 human cadaver menisci were compared to histological evaluations of meniscal structural integrity and clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment by a musculoskeletal radiologist. In vivo UTE-T2∗ maps were compared in 10 asymptomatic subjects and 25 ACL-injured patients with and without concomitant meniscal tear.

RESULTS

In vitro, UTE-T2∗ values tended to be lower in histologically and clinically normal meniscus tissue and higher in torn or degenerate tissue. UTE-T2∗ map heterogeneity reflected collagen disorganization. In vivo, asymptomatic meniscus UTE-T2∗ values were repeatable within 9% (root-mean-square average coefficient of variation). Posteromedial meniscus UTE-T2∗ values in ACL-injured subjects with clinically diagnosed medial meniscus tear (n=10) were 87% higher than asymptomatics (n=10, P<0.001). Posteromedial menisci UTE-T2∗ values of ACL-injured subjects without concomitant medial meniscal tear (n=15) were 33% higher than asymptomatics (P=0.001). Posterolateral menisci UTE-T2∗ values also varied significantly with degree of joint pathology (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Significant elevations of UTE-T2∗ values in the menisci of ACL-injured subjects without clinical evidence of subsurface meniscal abnormality suggest that UTE-T2∗ mapping is sensitive to sub-clinical meniscus degeneration. Further study is needed to determine whether elevated subsurface meniscus UTE-T2∗ values predict progression of meniscal degeneration and development of OA.

Review article: Plica syndrome of the knee

Plica syndrome is a pathological condition secondary to inflammation. Plicae around the knee are common and generally asymptomatic. They often are misdiagnosed. The morphology of knee plicae varies; mediopatellar plicae are the most common cause of the plicae syndrome. An intermittent dull pain is the most common symptom. Diagnosis is made by exclusion. Ultrasonography is useful; arthroscopy is the gold standard. Arthroscopic removal of the plica may be necessary when conservative treatment for up to 6 months fails.

Knee pain and mobility impairments: meniscal and articular cartilage lesions

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association presents this fifth set of clinical practice guidelines on knee pain and mobility impairments, linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these practice guidelines is to describe evidence-based orthopaedic physical therapy clinical practice and provide recommendations for (1) examination and diagnostic classification based on body functions and body structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions, (2) interventions provided by physical therapists, (3) and assessment of outcome for common musculoskeletal disorders.