Editorial Commentary: The Pediatric Knee: Ultrasound Could Replace Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluating a Discoid Lateral Meniscus.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging has been referred to as the gold standard diagnostic modality for meniscal pathology in the adult knee. However, there are multiple issues with reliance on magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating the meniscus in children. Diagnostic accuracy for meniscus pathology in children is not as high as with adults. Additionally, young children often cannot tolerate lying still for the study and require sedation, with a small but non-zero risk of anesthetic complication and risk motion artifact even with sedation. Ultrasound can be used to reliably diagnose a discoid lateral meniscus in a testing environment that is well tolerated by young children.