<s>[INST] MRI says I have complex tear of the medial of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Tricompartmental osteoarthritis with chondromalacia of the medial femoral condyle and patella. Small joint effusion and Bakers cyst. Mild lateral subluxation of the patella. Osteophytes are also seen in all three compartments. Do this mean I need a total knee replacement? [/INST] Hi, Thanks for writing in. I suppose you had a knee pain or injury and were referred for MRI scan of the knee. The report shows.1. A complex tear in the spongy ring of tissue known as meniscus which is present in the inner side of the knee. It is mentioned as complex tear.2. There are degenerative changes in the knee with inflammation of the underside of the knee cap (patella) and lower end of thigh-bone (femur) with softening of the cartilage. This can be considered an overuse injury.3. Small amount of fluid is there in knee joint (called effusion) with a benign cyst usually found at that location (Bakers cyst)4. There is also tiny bone out growths seen in all bones at knee joint do to aging and wear and tear changes. The decision of a total knee joint requires the images to be seen and the range of movements that you are able to perform without discomfort. If you have had a recent injury then your condition needs to be reviewed clinically after taking rest and application of ointments for few days. </s>