english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2010 > MRI findings of meniscal damage in over-50s: frequent, but often asymptomatic

Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2010 : 1 | 30 | 60 | 90

MRI findings of meniscal damage in over-50s: frequent, but often asymptomatic

When MRI scans are carried out on people aged over 50, it is common to observe damage with no associated symptoms.

A trial evaluated meniscal findings on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and their possible connection with signs and symptoms such as pain, stiffness in the joint or signs of arthritis under X-ray.

In this study, lesions were present in 35% of the 50+ age group, the frequency depending on age, with a higher prevalence in men.

In people showing signs of osteoarthritis under X-ray, a tear in the meniscus on the MRI scan was as frequent in those suffering no pain or stiffness in the joints as among those with these symptoms.

In the absence of arthritis, a tear of the meniscus was visible in 32% of patients suffering pain or stiffness in the knees compared with 23% of patients displaying no clinical signs.

In conclusion, in people aged over 50, it is commonplace for MRI to find meniscal damage, even in the absence of any symptoms. This should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to propose surgery when damage shows on images of joints but there are no clinical symptoms.

©Prescrire March 2010

Source: "IRM des ménisques. Anomalies asymptomatiques fréquentes après 50 ans" Rev Prescrire 2010; 30 (316): 131