Functional analysis on the treatment of torn discoid lateral meniscus

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome on the treatment of torn discoid lateral meniscus. Thirty-two torn discoid lateral meniscuses in 29 patients were retrospectively reviewed. There were 13 males and 16 females with a mean age of 31.3±17.0. The age distribution were 24% in pediatric age (< 11 years old), 38%in young adult under 25 years and 38% in 25 years and older. Subjective symptoms included pain in 63%, popping and snapping in 56%, locking in 41%, givingway in 17%; and objective signs included decreased knee motion in 16%. Partial lateral menisectomy and saucerization were performed in 18 knees (56%), meniscus repairs were done in eight knee (25% ) and subtotal lateral menisectomy in six knees (19%). At an average follow up of 52.5±25.9 months (24-96 months). The results showed 84% good to excellent, 16% fair, and none poor. No significant difference was noted on the outcomes of different treatment methods. The age of symptom onset and the time of operation correlated with the IKDC and Tenger score. (p<0.001). Our data showed symptomatic torn discoid lateral meniscus may manifest at any age from childhood to adult. The first manifestation of symptom before age 11 year old was observed in only 24%. Therefore, discoid lateral meniscus should not be considered a childhood disease.