Magnetic resonance imaging of the meniscus.

Magnetic resonance imaging has evolved into a highly accurate modality in detecting meniscal injuries and provides the essential anatomic detail to help guide treatment options in this age of meniscal preservation. Accurate interpretation requires a thorough understanding of meniscal anatomy and function, anatomic variants, technical factors, typical appearance of tear patterns on magnetic resonance imaging, associated ligamentous injuries, causes of misdiagnoses, and the importance of correlation with the clinical examination.