Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Destabilization of the Medial Meniscus and Cartilage Scratch Murine Model of Accelerated Osteoarthritis
Published on: July 6, 2022
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Symptomatic Patients After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Torn Discoid
Chang-Rack Lee1, Seong-Il Bin2, Jong-Min Kim2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Busan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
Purpose:
To evaluate the change in the thickness and width of the residual meniscus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), to assess whether the degeneration of the articular cartilage in the lateral compartment of the knee progressed, and to evaluate clinical results.
Methods:
Among the patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for DLM between January 1997 and December 2011, those who were aged 40 or below at surgery were followed up for at least 3 years, and received at least 2 follow-up MRIs that were retrospectively reviewed. MRIs were done in symptomatic knees. Using MRI, the relative thickness and width were measured in the anterior horn, midportion, and posterior horn. To determine whether the degeneration of the lateral compartment would progress, the articular cartilage was graded based on the Outerbridge classification in MRIs. The clinical results were evaluated using the Lysholm score.
Results:
A total of 20 patients (21 knees) were included. The average follow-up period was 6.8 years. In residual meniscus, the relative thickness of the midportion decreased from 9.0% ± 2.4% to 7.3% ± 2.3% (P < .001), the relative thickness of the anterior horn decreased from 15.6% ± 4.3% to 14.3% ± 6.7% (P = .030), and the relative thickness of the posterior horn decreased from 20.0% ± 4.4% to 16.7% ± 6.7% (P = .019). A decrease in the relative width was observed in the midportion (12.4% ± 4.8% to 10.9% ± 4.9%, P = .003). No significant changes in size were observed in the medial meniscus. A progression of degeneration in the lateral compartment was observed. However, the clinical results did not present significant changes.
Conclusions:
In symptomatic patients after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for DLM, the thickness and width of the residual meniscus decreases over time. The arthritic change of the lateral compartment of the knee progressed. However, the change in the size of the residual meniscus was of unknown clinical significance.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Insights
After arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), residual meniscus thickness and width decreased over time. Knee cartilage degeneration progressed, but clinical outcomes remained unchanged.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is a congenital anomaly that can lead to knee pain and degeneration.
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a common treatment for symptomatic DLM.
- Long-term effects of meniscectomy on residual meniscus and knee joint health require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in residual meniscus size after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for DLM using MRI.
- To assess the progression of articular cartilage degeneration in the lateral knee compartment.
- To correlate imaging findings with clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MRIs from 20 patients (21 knees) who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for DLM.
- Follow-up of at least 3 years with at least 2 MRIs.
- Measurement of residual meniscus thickness and width; Outerbridge classification for cartilage degeneration; Lysholm score for clinical evaluation.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in residual meniscus thickness (anterior, mid, posterior horns) and midportion width over an average follow-up of 6.8 years.
- Progression of lateral compartment articular cartilage degeneration observed.
- No significant changes in medial meniscus size or clinical outcomes (Lysholm score).
Conclusions:
- Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for DLM leads to a decrease in residual meniscus size over time.
- Articular cartilage degeneration in the lateral knee compartment progresses post-surgery.
- The clinical significance of residual meniscus size changes remains unclear.
More Related Videos
05:44Author Spotlight: Double Posteromedial Approach for Treating Posterior Cruciate Ligament Cysts
Published on: October 20, 2023
06:28Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection and Synovial Fluid Lavage in a Rodent Model to Study Joint Inflammation and Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis
Published on: September 2, 2025
