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Discoid meniscus in human fetuses: A systematic review
Marco Turati1, Filippo Maria Anghilieri2, Franck Accadbled3
1Orthopedic Department, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Transalpine Center of Pediatric Sports Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca - Hospital Couple Enfant, Monza (Italy), Grenoble, France; School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; Department of Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Couple Enfant, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France.
Discoid meniscus (DM) is a rare knee condition. This review found DM is not a normal part of fetal development, though the lateral meniscus covers more tibial plateau area early on.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Developmental Biology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Discoid meniscus (DM) is an anatomical variant characterized by abnormal thickness and shape, increasing tear susceptibility.
- The etiology of DM, a congenital defect, remains unclear.
- Understanding DM's origins may involve examining embryological development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence of discoid meniscus in human fetuses.
- To evaluate the potential role of embryological development in the etiology of discoid meniscus.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.
- Keywords included "discoid meniscus", "embryology", "fetus", and "neonatal".
- Initial search yielded 1013 studies, with seven selected for analysis.
Main Results:
- Seven studies analyzed 1378 fetal menisci from 396 fetuses.
- Discoid shape was not identified as a normal prenatal developmental stage.
- Of 782 lateral menisci, 10.86% were discoid (86 total); no medial menisci were discoid.
- The lateral meniscus covered a larger tibial plateau surface until the 28th gestational week.
Conclusions:
- The lateral meniscus's tendency to cover a larger tibial plateau surface during fetal development may predispose it to a discoid shape.
- The rarity of discoid morphology in fetuses indicates it is not a standard developmental stage.
- Further morphological and morphometric studies are needed to elucidate specific etiological factors.
