There are five common tear configurations: horizontal, longitudinal, radial, oblique, and complex. Describing the exact tear location, particularly if it involves the vascularized “red zone,” is crucial for surgical planning. MR can also assess tear stability, guiding treatment decisions. Repairing tears near the vascular zone is more likely to succeed. Specific tear patterns like bucket-handle tears and meniscal root tears have distinct implications. Understanding tear morphology, size, location, and stability is essential for informed surgical choices, emphasizing the role of precise pre-operative MR assessment in optimizing patient outcomes.
For more information on this topic, see Dr. Mark Awh’s Web Clinic from February 2008.
