MRI of the knee shows a vertical tear of the medial meniscus with the inner fragment displaced into the intercondylar notch, appearing as a 'double PCL sign' on sagittal images. This is called:
- A Bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus ✓
- B Radial tear of the posterior horn
- C Parrot-beak tear
- D Discoid meniscus with tear
Correct answer: A. Bucket-handle tear of the medial meniscus
Explanation
A bucket-handle tear is a vertical longitudinal meniscal tear where the inner fragment displaces into the intercondylar notch. On sagittal MRI this creates a 'double PCL sign' (the displaced fragment lies parallel to and mimics a second PCL). It is the most common displaced meniscal tear requiring arthroscopic surgery. Radial and parrot-beak tears are transverse/oblique and do not produce the double PCL sign. Discoid meniscus appears as a continuous bow-tie of meniscal tissue on multiple sagittal cuts.
Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.