Magnetic resonance imaging of the meniscal roots.

Abstract

The meniscal roots and supporting structures anchor the menisci to the tibial plateau and resist hoop stress, thereby preventing radial displacement of the menisci and secondary degenerative tibiofemoral compartment changes that may occur if this is compromised. The anatomy of the four meniscal roots and their supporting structures on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be outlined in this review article, as well as the imaging appearances of meniscal root-related pathology, namely meniscal root degeneration and tears, meniscal extrusion and tibial plateau cystic lesions.