MRI demonstration of occult purely chondral fractures of the tibia: a potential mimic of meniscal tears

Pediatr Radiol. 1997 Sep;27(9):765-6. doi: 10.1007/s002470050223.

Abstract

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with bilateral, purely chondral fractures of the tibia. The patient had Crohn's disease treated with systemic corticosteroids. MR images of the knee were initially interpreted to show a bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus. However, arthroscopic evaluation revealed purely chondral fractures of the tibial plateau without meniscal damage. Re-evaluation of the MR study identified the chondral fracture of the lateral tibial articular cartilage detected arthroscopically. This purely chondral fracture of the tibial plateau represented a rare finding in the symptomatic knee that mimicked a meniscal tear by history, physical exam, and MR imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Arthroscopy
  • Cartilage, Articular / drug effects
  • Cartilage, Articular / pathology*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / drug effects
  • Knee Joint / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones