Accessory Meniscus Causing Medial Knee Impingement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Anatomical Variants
• Knee Biomechanics

Background:

• Accessory meniscal tissue is an uncommon knee anomaly.
• It can cause mechanical symptoms like catching and pain due to impingement.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring advanced imaging and arthroscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of accessory meniscal tissue presenting with mechanical knee symptoms.
• To illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic role of arthroscopy in managing this condition.
• To emphasize considering anomalous meniscal anatomy in young patients with persistent knee issues.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 23-year-old female with right knee pain and catching.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a complex medial meniscal tear and an accessory meniscal band.
• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and excision of the accessory band were performed.

Main Results:

• Arthroscopy confirmed a mobile accessory meniscal band and a complex medial meniscal tear.
• The patient experienced significant pain improvement by postoperative day 2.
• At 6 weeks, the patient was asymptomatic with full range of motion and no mechanical symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Anomalous meniscal anatomy should be considered in young patients with persistent mechanical knee symptoms and atypical MRI findings.
• Arthroscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for accessory meniscal tissue.
• Targeted excision of accessory meniscal bands can lead to rapid symptom relief and preservation of meniscal function.