The relationship between knee menisci vascularization and self-assessment of knee functions

Inflammatory responses are initiated in both acute and degenerative knee meniscal tears, inducing angiogenesis and bringing about repair. Diagnosis of these lesions, however, is heavily dependent on clinical examination and patient history, as routine imaging techniques are resource dependent. Our study proposes the use of ultrasound assessment of vascularization as an early clinical diagnostic addendum for impaired knee functioning. Twenty-five asymptomatic participants were selected at random to take part in this study. Participants’ perception about their knee and associated problems was assessed by Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). With the knee mid-flexed, the lateral and medial menisci of each participants were examined using a Sonosite Turbo ultrasound system, with a L38e 10-5MHZ transducer. Vascularisation if present, was identified and confirmed with Colour Doppler imaging. Meniscal vascularization was found in at least one side of each knee in 19/25 (76%) participants. Presence of vascularization significantly correlated with the subtotal scores obtained from the KOOS related to pain, r=-0.513 [-0.70- -0.299], function, sports and recreational activities, r=-0.353 [-0.580- -0.118], and the quality of life, r=-0.435 [-0.639- 0.188]. The overall KOOS was also found to be significantly related to vascularization, r=-0.352 [-0.535- -0.150] (all ps0.05). Knee meniscal vascularization was found to correlate with impaired daily functioning and pain experienced by individuals. The results displayed a graded relationship, in which the extent of vascularization followed a decline in subjective knee outcomes.