MRI of the Popliteomeniscal Fasciculi

Abstract

The findings presented in this article will contribute to the understanding of the normal appearance of the popliteomeniscal fasciculi on MRI, and of the degree of variation of this structure among the population.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Meniscus

“…6). 13 Tearing of the posterosuperior fascicle is highly associated with tears of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus, with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 89%, 96%, and 79% respectively. 14,15 Other normal anatomic structures and anatomic variants that can mimic a tear if not recognized include the meniscofemoral ligaments, oblique meniscomeniscal ligament, and the transverse meniscal ligament.…”

MRI and Arthroscopic Correlation in Meniscal Injuries of Knee

“…32 At MR imaging with advanced sensitive sequences, the anteroinferior and posterosuperior fascicles are being visualized in approximately 90.3% of asymptomatic knees. 33 In cadaveric studies, a posteroinferior fascicle can infrequently be identified. 34 These fascicles can mimic a posterior horn tear.…”

Snapping Knee Caused by a Popliteomeniscal Fascicle Tear of the Lateral Meniscus in a Professional Taekwondo Athlete

“…Jong-Hoon Park, MD; kyung-Han ro, MD; Dae-Hee Lee, MD e1104 A lthough a popliteomeniscal fascicle tear can occur in an otherwise stable knee with no apparent meniscal or cartilage lesions, its diagnosis may be missed due to its nonspecific clinical symptoms and the lower sensitivity of routine coronal and sagittal slices on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 1,2 Snapping of the lateral aspect of the knee has been reported to occur due to discoid lateral meniscus 3 and subluxations of the biceps femoris 4 and popliteus. 5 Although a popliteomeniscal fascicle tear can cause mechanical symptoms, such as locking or snapping due to subluxation of the lateral meniscus, 6 it is more likely to cause vague knee pain.…”

“…13 The detection rate of popliteomeniscal fascicle tears on knee MRI using routine sagittal and coronal slices has been reported to be approximately 60% because of the 3-dimensional characteristics of the structures in the popliteal hiatus, stressing the importance of oblique coronal slice angles and thin slice thickness to depict popliteomeniscal fascicle tears on MRI. 1 Although the causes and mechanisms associated with popliteomeniscal fascicle tears have not been determined, the authors suggest 2 types of popliteomeniscal fascicle tears: traumatic, resulting from a definite history of trauma; and nontraumatic, resulting from repeated microtraumas. Most previously identified patients can be classified as having traumatic popliteomeniscal fascicle tears.…”