The discoid meniscus is found in 5 out of every 100 people in the general population. It has a hereditary component. I have treated patients from the same family—mother, son, and daughter—at different times and for various reasons, including ACL reconstruction and lateral meniscus tear surgery on a discoid meniscus, discoid meniscus tear surgery, and lateral ligament reconstruction with a meniscus tear. Additionally, if a patient has a discoid meniscus in one knee, there is a 25% chance of having a discoid meniscus in the other knee.
Discoid menisci are not surgically treated unless they cause symptoms. However, if the patient experiences knee pain, locking, or similar symptoms and the discoid meniscus is confirmed on MRI, surgical treatment becomes necessary.
What is a Discoid Meniscus?
The menisci in the knee joint are cartilage-like structures with a texture similar to the outer ear. These structures play a crucial role in the knee's function by acting as shock absorbers, positioned between the bones to distribute the body’s weight and reduce impact during movement.
Menisci function as natural suspension systems, preventing damage to the joint surfaces. Each knee contains two menisci: one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral).
A normal meniscus is shaped like the letter "C" or a crescent. In the case of a discoid meniscus, the structure is shaped like the letter "O" or a disk. Additionally, the tissue quality of the discoid meniscus is inferior to that of a normal meniscus, making it less durable and more prone to tearing.
In most cases, discoid menisci occur in the lateral meniscus.
What Are the Symptoms of a Discoid Meniscus?
Discoid meniscus symptoms are particularly common in young and active athletes and may include:
Pain in the outer-front part of the knee joint
Swelling
A sensation of catching or locking
How is a Discoid Meniscus Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a discoid meniscus is made through physical examination followed by imaging techniques such as knee X-rays and MRI.
Treatment of Discoid Meniscus
If the cause of knee pain is identified as a discoid meniscus, the only effective treatment is surgery.
How is a Discoid Meniscus Surgically Treated?
Surgical treatment involves removing the torn and irreparable portions of the meniscus and reshaping the remaining structure to resemble a normal meniscus. This process transforms the "O"-shaped meniscus into a "C"-shaped structure. Any remaining meniscus tissue is repaired using sutures. The procedure is performed using arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
Postoperative Recovery After Discoid Meniscus Surgery
During discoid meniscus surgery, the abnormal "O"-shaped meniscus is removed, and the remaining portion is repaired with sutures. Postoperative recovery involves the following steps:
For the first three weeks, no full weight is placed on the operated leg, and the patient uses two crutches.
Between the third and fourth weeks, a single crutch is used.
Afterward, crutch use is discontinued.
Physical therapy begins 3-4 days after the surgery.
Conclusion
While a discoid meniscus may begin to cause symptoms during adolescence, it can remain asymptomatic and harmless throughout life.
However, if a discoid meniscus is identified as the source of knee pain, surgery is the only solution. With the advancements in arthroscopic techniques, discoid meniscus surgery is now minimally invasive, offering successful long-term outcomes.
Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options for Discoid Meniscus, ensuring tailored care for every patient. If you suspect a discoid meniscus issue or have persistent knee discomfort, feel free to reach out to Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer: Whatsapp Contact.
