MSK Tip of the Week for Scanning the Lateral Meniscus in a Longitudinal Orientation - NYSORA

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MSK Tip of the Week for Scanning the Lateral Meniscus in a Longitudinal Orientation

January 12, 2023

The lateral meniscus (external semilunar fibrocartilage) is a fibrocartilaginous band that spans the lateral side of the interior of the knee joint. It is one of two menisci of the knee, the other being the medial meniscus. It is nearly circular and covers a larger portion of the articular surface than the medial. It can occasionally be injured or torn by twisting the knee or applying direct force.

Points of interest (during scanning):

  • Any protrusion during vulgar stress.
  • Any clefts or disruptions between the lateral meniscus and tibia.
  • Any significant increases in hyperechogenicity over the center and white zone of the lateral meniscus.

Here are 4 tips for scanning the lateral meniscus (longitudinal scan)

  1. Position the patient supine with the knee flexed 90°.
  2. Starting from the transverse orientation, turn the transducer 90° across the joint line. Tip: Increase the depth and lower the focal point if the transverse scan is performed first.
  3. Identify the lateral meniscus in the middle of the ultrasound image, located between the femur and tibia. 
  4. The other visualized structures are the: Biceps femoris, lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and anterolateral ligament.

Sonoanatomy

 

Reverse Ultrasound Anatomy

Comparison of sonoanatomy and reverse ultrasound anatomy of the lateral meniscus (longitudinal scan).


Check out the all-new reverse ultrasound anatomy illustration and slider image added in “Sonoanatomy of the Lateral Knee > Lateral Meniscus”.

Download the MSK App to learn everything you need to practice MSK of the knee, including static and dynamic diagnostic modules, and Injection Techniques for the pain and regenerative therapy for the knee.

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