To evaluate the efficacy of MR imaging in the diagnosis and classification of meniscal tear of the knee joint, we retrospectively characterized the MR features of 78 meniscal tears in 148 patients according to the Mesgarzadeh's criteria. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity for meniscal tears were 92% and 87%, respectively. Type VI meniscal tear was the most common type, especially in displaced meniscal tear. MR is a reliable diagnostic tool for meniscal tears and associated cruciate ligament injury.