European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of meniscal damage, including meniscal tears and degeneration, in all osteoarthritis patients.  Methodology:  This observational cohort study was conducted in a Hospital in Punjab. We included both symptomatic and asymptomatic participants in our research. Knee radiographs of the individuals were assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading by an experienced rheumatologist (JK) blinded to patient details, history, and clinical data. A 15-channel transmit/receive knee coil was used with a 3T system. The (painful) knee on the side with symptoms was imaged, and the knee on the side with no signs was imaged. Before having an MRI (mean time interval 3.4 days, range 0-41 days), the individuals had to fill out questionnaires that were used to assess their symptoms. A 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure the intensity of the pain. Results: This study recruited 137 participants (80 asymptomatic and 57 symptomatic). Among them, 81 (59.1) were female. Meniscus tears were more common in the symptomatic group, where they were 50.0%, respectively, than in the asymptomatic group, where they were 31.6%. Conclusion: The study results allow us to conclude that osteoarthritic individuals frequently suffer meniscal injuries. Additionally, the frequency of these injuries rises with patient age. Meniscal tears are also more likely in cases of severe osteoarthritis. In addition, meniscal tears increased as body mass index rose. Therefore, having an MRI performed on an osteoarthritis patient can help to detect meniscal tears early in the disease and allow for correct management.