[Sonography of the meniscus and its lesions].

It is the considered opinion of the authors that meniscus sonography can largely replace arthrography. This opinion is based on their detailed examinations and studies. Sonographic visualisation of all lesions produced by a scalpel was demonstrated using knees of corpses. Even cracks having the fineness of a human hair were visualised by sonography. A comparison between sonographic and surgical findings in meniscus lesion yielded in 82 patients an agreement of 95.1%. In 47 patients it was possible to prove that sonography was more accurate than arthrography as far as diagnosis was concerned. A comparison of 94 sonographically and arthrographically established findings yielded agreement in 89% of the cases. Sonography is suitable for meniscus imaging especially on account of the good imaging reproducibility of meniscus morphology; through safe detection of a pathological process in the meniscus; through the safe presentation of lesions; through the accurate imaging of all parts of the meniscus; and, furthermore, through the invaluable advantage of noninvasiveness, freedom from pain and hazards; and, last but not least, rapid manipulation and unlimited repeatability.