Tear of body and posterior horn lateral meniscus

[nmason]

Hi. About a month ago I twisted my knee coming off a ladder and have been in agonising pain ever since (and getting worse daily). I have just had an MRI and received the radiologist report to find I have "an oblique/horizontal tear involving the body and posterior horn of the lateral meniscus, extending to the inferior articular surface" and also "fissuring/ulceration involving the articular cartilage of the lateral facet of the patella". What a mouthful. I have been trying to find a picture of diagram of what exactly the meniscus tear looks like while I wait to see a specialist.
Does anyone know where I can find detailed info on what this tear would look like and what the prognosis is repair wise. If anyone can freehand me a picture that would be wonderful as well.
Thanks in advance for any comments.

[vickster]

Unfortunately complex tears normally have to be trimmed and not stitched.  Also, your age will potentially play a role, as once our teens and twenties have passed the meniscus tissue starts to degenerate and hard to stitch.  The damage to the articular cartilage may also cause an issue going forwards, hard to fix

Have a read of the meniscus primer

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/primers/meniscus-primer

This page gives detail about different tears

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/primers/meniscus-primer/types-meniscus-tear

If you want more detail about the tear and treatment, best talk to the orthopaedic knee specialist

Good luck