MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LEFT KNEE WITHOUT CONTRAST

MRI EXAMINATION OF THE LEFT KNEE WITHOUT CONTRAST

INDICATION FOR STUDY:         719.46 and 715.16.

FINDINGS:               Axial, sagittal, and coronal images were obtained on the 1.5 Tesla GE MRI without contrast.  There are no prior studies for comparison.  There are significant degenerative changes, degenerative joint disease, and joint space loss especially in the medial joint space compartment.  There are changes in the femoral condyle and tibial plateau in the medial aspect consistent with degenerative joint disease.  There is signal change in the bone marrow, which appears somewhat prominent in the distal femur of uncertain significance.  There is no clear evidence of significant mass or other gross abnormality and would recommend clinical correlation or further evaluation as necessary.  Given the extensive degenerative changes and chronic changes in the medial aspect, there is also slight chronic edema surrounding the medial collateral ligament, but there is no evidence of tear of the medial collateral ligament.  This most likely is secondary to chronic strain in this region.  The lateral collateral ligament, anterior and posterior cruciate ligament, and quadriceps patellar tendon are intact.  There is no significant loss of the posterior patellar cartilage and no significant joint effusion.  There is small Baker’s cyst.  In the menisci, there are intrasubstance degenerative changes and there is a tear in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus along with joint space loss.

IMPRESSION:         Significant degenerative joint disease especially in the medial joint space and degenerative meniscal tear in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus most likely.  Small Baker’s cyst.  Please see comments above.  Would recommend further evaluation as necessary.

Thank you for the referral.

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