What is Discoid Meniscus
Discoid meniscus is a meniscus that is shaped differently than normal
A meniscus is a wedge of tough, rubbery tissue in the knee. The meniscus stabilizes your knee and absorbs shock. . It may be:
- Thicker and wider than normal (incomplete).
- Thicker than normal, oval, and over the whole top of the shinbone (complete).
- Not attached to the shinbone and able to move around inside the knee (hypermobile Wrisberg).
There is one meniscus on the inside and outside of each knee. Discoid meniscus usually affects the meniscus on the outside of the knee. Having this condition makes the meniscus more likely to tear.
What are the causes?
The cause of this condition is not known. You are born with this condition.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more common among some Asian populations.
What are the signs or symptoms?
This condition does not always cause symptoms. Symptoms are more common if you have a torn or unstable meniscus. Symptoms include:
- Locking, catching, or popping of the knee.
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Stiffness.
- Inability to straighten your knee.
- Feeling like your knee is giving way (instability).
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on:
- Your symptoms.
- Your medical history.
- A physical exam.
- Imaging
tests, such as:
- X-rays to check for a wide area between the thighbone and the shinbone.
- An MRI to check the shape, size, and attachment of the meniscus and to see if it has torn.
During your physical exam, your health care provider will move your knee in different directions to check for pain, locking, or popping in your knee.
How is this treated?
If you do not have symptoms, treatment is not needed. If you do have symptoms, treatment involves having surgery to reshape, trim, or repair the meniscus. After surgery, you may need a knee brace to protect your knee. You may also need to use crutches or a wheelchair to keep weight off of your knee while it heals. Your health care provider or a physical therapist will recommend range-of-motion and strengthening exercises (physical therapy) to regain movement and strength in your knee.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You start to have symptoms of this condition.
