Just got the MRI results on my Knee ---- Help!

[TSB19]

I don't fully understand the MRI results for my knee and what I need to be prepared for in the future, in terms of surgery etc... I am in major pain and have had various problems over the years with this knee.  I am what I consider to still be relatively young - 48. Can anyone help me/explain to me in layman terms what the following means???? Please?:

Large complex tear of the medial meniscus.
Intrasubstance degeneration versus nondisplaced horizontial tear of the lateral meniscus.
Marrow edema within the anterior medial tibial plateau likely representing marrow contusion.
Joint effusion with extension into the popliteal fossa and dissecting along the superficial medial aspect of the gastrocnemius.

Thank you! T.

[TSB19]

Thank you for the response. I guess I need to find out more about a knee scope. What does that entail?

[sara_eagle]

Well you have a tear of the meniscus (which is cartilage in your knee that acts as a shock absorber).  You have a tear on the inside of your knee and the outside.  You have a bone bruise on the front inner portion of the top of your tibia and fluid in your joint (effusion).  You really need a knee scope!