Sonographic Diagnosis of an Acute Lateral Meniscus Tear in a Division I Collegiate American Football Player

Abstract Preoperative diagnosis of meniscal tears in the United States is typically determined from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, MRI diagnosis of meniscal pathology is not a point-of-injury imaging modality. This results in potential treatment delays. Ultrasonography provides a method for highly reliable, immediate, and point-of-injury diagnosis of meniscal pathology. We present a case of an acute tear of the lateral meniscus in a collegiate athlete that was diagnosed in the training room immediately after injury using ultrasonography. The diagnosis was subsequently verified by MRI and arthroscopy. The patient was treated with partial meniscectomy and experienced an uneventful recovery with return to sport 3 weeks after injury. This case report supports the potential capabilities of ultrasonography as an effective and efficient point-of-injury diagnostic tool for athletes with suspected meniscal pathology.