Editorial Commentary: Morton Forks a Knee: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Versus Needles Arthroscopy for Knee Meniscus Tears

Abstract

Recent literature tells us that knee arthroscopy in the setting of osteoarthritis is no better than placebo, but arthroscopy for isolated, nondegenerative meniscus tears is both helpful to patients and cost-effective. Since most patients with osteoarthritis have meniscus pathology, we need an accurate way to rule out degenerative disease in patients who are otherwise good candidates for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Magnetic resonance imaging can be misleading. Needle arthroscopy is a new tool that can potentially help dig us out of this diagnostic dilemma.