Differential Diagnosis for Free Edge and Horizontal Tearing of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Meniscal tear: This is the most straightforward diagnosis given the description of the injury. The symptoms and location are consistent with a meniscal tear, which is a common knee injury.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Degenerative meniscal disease: As people age, the meniscus can become worn and torn, leading to degenerative meniscal disease. This condition could cause similar symptoms to a meniscal tear.
- Meniscofemoral ligament injury: The meniscofemoral ligaments connect the meniscus to the femur. An injury to these ligaments could cause similar symptoms to a meniscal tear.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Osteochondritis dissecans: This is a joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of the bone beneath it, comes loose from the end of a bone because of inadequate blood supply. If missed, it could lead to further joint damage and potentially severe arthritis.
- Ligamentous injury (e.g., ACL, MCL): While the primary symptom is related to the meniscus, it's crucial to assess the integrity of the surrounding ligaments, as injuries to these structures can have significant implications for knee stability and long-term health.
- Rare diagnoses
- Meniscal cyst: A meniscal cyst is a rare condition where a fluid-filled cyst forms near the meniscus. It could cause similar symptoms to a meniscal tear but would require different treatment.
- Synovial chondromatosis: This is a rare condition where cartilage grows in the synovium, the lining of the joints. It could cause similar symptoms to a meniscal tear but would require different treatment.