Does this mean I broke my knee cap?
 

I received the MRI report on my knee today and am unsure what some of it means.

I understand I have torn my meniscus but, the rest I don't understand. Here is what the report says...

Severe fissuring of the medial patellar facet is present. Mild lateral tilt of the patella is seen.

and this...

A moderate effusion is present. Pericapsular edema is demonstrated posteromedially, likely reactive associated with recurrent meniscal tear.

If anyone can explain this to me I sure would appreciate it.
Thanks.

Wasn't this MRI accompanied by a visit with a doctor? What does he/she say, in plain English, about the results?

Or have you just given us an example of some sort of "mill-medicine" experience (the sort we will get a lot of if we get socialized medicine)?

I'm no doctor, but that sounds similar to what I was told a few years ago. I had a torn meniscus and the bones were rubbing on the back of my knee cap causing an abraision and bruising.
I had othoscopic surgery and walked out of the hospital the same day.
It was sore for a while but I was back to work climbing stairs 10 days later. After about 6 months I couldn't remember which knee was operated on.

If a doctor doesn't show up and answer the question I'll go stay at a holiday inn express and see what happens ;)

Severe fissuring of the medial patellar facet is present. = On back side of the patella it rides on a flat spot that has become grooved over time where its rubbed over the bone.

Mild lateral tilt of the patella is seen= patella has tilted to outside of groove.

and this...

A moderate effusion is present. = damage still going on and tissue fluid is building due to inflamation

Pericapsular edema is demonstrated posteromedially, likely reactive associated with recurrent meniscal tear= same thing...inflamation from the tear w fluid buildup.

Does not mean you've broken your kneecap.

competentone, Went to doctor monday, MRI tuesday, received the report and scheduled an appt. with an orthopedic surgeon beginning of august.

Sammyg2, Thanks. I had a meniscus repaired in the same knee 3 yrs ago, unfortunatly I had to be on crutches for 3 weeks due to a repair instead of just cutting the damaged part out.

ooops...double post

The meniscal tear was a traumatic injury, I suppose. The fissuring on the patella likely a chronic condition?

Condolences. I think the translation into regular English is, "Man, your knee is Fuched up!"

Actually, I think a more accurate translation is "You're an old fart who wrenched the ***** out of a worn out knee climbing over the cage side bars." :D

:D :D :D

I'd say you guys hit the nail on the head.