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Discoid lateral menisci: a report of 29 cases
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Abstract:
Of 7,056 knee arthroscopies performed during the period September 1979-November 1986, 30 patients had discoid menisci, one medially and 29 laterally. The frequency of discoid lateral menisci appears to be lower in Sweden than in North America, Scotland, and Japan. Our policy, to do a meniscectomy only when the discoid meniscus is thought to play a role in the symptoms, but leave it intact when an incidental finding, seems to give good results. Nine of the 29 patients studied had trauma as an initiating factor, but of those 10 patients whose discoid lateral menisci were thought to cause the symptoms, only one had trauma as an initiating factor. Theories of the cause of discoid menisci are discussed, as well as recommended treatment.
Insights
Discoid menisci, a rare knee condition, were found in 30 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. A conservative treatment approach for symptomatic discoid lateral menisci yielded good results.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscal Pathology
Background:
- Discoid meniscus is a congenital anomaly where the meniscus, typically C-shaped, is discoid or T-shaped.
- Lateral discoid menisci are more common than medial.
- The prevalence varies geographically, with lower reported rates in Sweden compared to other regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidence of discoid menisci in a Swedish population undergoing knee arthroscopy.
- To evaluate the outcomes of a conservative management strategy for symptomatic discoid lateral menisci.
- To discuss the etiology and treatment recommendations for discoid menisci.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 7,056 knee arthroscopies performed between September 1979 and November 1986.
- Identification of patients with discoid menisci (n=30).
- Analysis of clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes, particularly for lateral discoid menisci.
Main Results:
- Thirty patients (0.42%) had discoid menisci: 1 medial and 29 lateral.
- The frequency of lateral discoid menisci in this Swedish cohort appears lower than in North America, Scotland, and Japan.
- Of 10 patients with symptomatic lateral discoid menisci, only one reported trauma as an initiating factor, suggesting non-traumatic etiology is more common.
Conclusions:
- A conservative management policy, performing meniscectomy only for symptomatic cases and leaving incidental findings intact, appears effective for discoid lateral menisci.
- Trauma is not always the primary cause of symptoms in patients with discoid lateral menisci.
- Further research into the etiology and optimal treatment strategies for discoid menisci is warranted.