Arthroscopic meniscectomy for discoid lateral meniscus in children

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• A discoid meniscus is a congenital anomaly where the meniscus is disc-shaped rather than crescent-shaped.
• Symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus can lead to pain, clicking, and locking in pediatric patients.
• Meniscal tears are common in symptomatic discoid menisci, often requiring surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic meniscectomy in children with symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus.
• To analyze the relationship between tear characteristics and the extent of meniscectomy performed.
• To investigate the optimal width of partial meniscectomy for discoid menisci to prevent new tears.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 46 children (53 knees) undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus.
• Surgical procedures included total, subtotal, or partial meniscectomy based on tear location and morphology.
• Average follow-up duration was 31.2 months.

Main Results:

• All knees presented with a meniscal tear.
• The extent of meniscectomy was tailored to the specific tear site and shape.
• Symptoms and clinical signs varied depending on the tear characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic meniscectomy is a viable treatment for symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus in children.
• Tear characteristics significantly influence surgical decision-making regarding meniscectomy extent.
• Further investigation is required to define the precise width of partial meniscectomy that effectively prevents recurrent tears.