Discoid Meniscus

Discoid meniscus is a spectrum of disorders with accordingly diverse clinical presentations. There are various physical examination and radiographic findings that are suggestive of a discoid meniscus, which can be confirmed by MRI. Treatment of symptomatic patients, especially those with loss of terminal motion due to a displaced unstable or torn discoid, is surgical. Although MRI can be useful to identify tearing and instability, it is not always consistent in identifying tear types and may not always perfectly guide treatment. Careful evaluation and reevaluation during surgery are necessary to ensure proper preservation of the rim and stabilization of the meniscus. Outcome of discoid treatment is superior in cases of saucerization with and without repair over subtotal or total meniscectomy. Long-term outcomes of untreated tears or subtotal and total meniscectomy include progression of degenerative changes and arthritis of the knee. Further directions in research should focus on patient-reported outcomes data with longer term follow-up results of rim preservation with and without repair of discoid.