can someone decode knee MRI jargon for me, Please!

[atomicboy]

Findings:

There is ill-defined marrow T2 hyperintensity within the medial plateau and to lesser degree within the medial femoral condyle consistant with contusion or the residual of a prior contusion. No discrete fracture line or osteochondral defect is defined.

There is evidence of a partial tear of the ACL. The PCL , MCL, and extensor mechanism appear intact.

There is abnormal horizontal oblique linear increased signal within the posterior horn and posterior body of the medial meniscus extending toward but not definately communicating with the inferior articular surface. Differential diagnostic considerations include intramenical contusion and intrameniscal tear, the latter of which may be probe sensitive at arthroscopy. There is subtle complex increased signal within the medial/central aspect of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus appearing to communicate with both the superior and inferior articular surfaces.

There is joint effusion. A 2.2cm lobulated fluid collection is noted adjacent to the posterior aspect of the medial femoral epicondyle/metaphysis consistant with a ganglion/synovial cyst. There is a smal Baker's cyst.

Impression:
1) Abnormal signal within the posterior horn and postierior body of the medial meniscus. Differential diagnostic considerations include intrasubstance tear.

2) Findings consistant with contusion or the residual of prior contusion involving the medial tibial plateau/proximal tibia and to lessor degree, medial femoral condyle.

3) Partial ACL tear. (ACL tests show everything is strong with no problems)

4) Small Baker's cyst

5) 2.2cm loculated synovial/ganglion cyst adjacent to the posterior aspect of the medial femoral epicondyle.

surgery recommended to repair meniscus. Quick out patient, rest few days, ride bike, back to normal in a few weeks. Is this what I can count on? I told the Doc I want to wait until the summer to finish of the season at Mammy. Should I not be skiing?

[truth]

The meniscus tear should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent more damage. The partial ACl will be fine with a few weeks of PT but it increases the risk of a full tear later on. Id get it fixed and rehab now to avoid a more serious injury and longer rehab.