The term “discoid meniscus” refers to a congenital (present at birth) condition where the meniscus—a C-shaped cartilage cushion in your knee—forms in a disc-like shape instead of its typical crescent. The meniscus plays a critical role in cushioning and stabilizing the knee joint, acting as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone.
In many cases, individuals with a discoid meniscus may never experience any problems, and the condition can go unnoticed for years. However, some children may develop symptoms such as knee pain, stiffness, or a sensation that the knee is locking or getting stuck. These mechanical symptoms often result from the abnormal shape of the meniscus, which may not glide as smoothly within the joint.
Symptoms of Discoid Meniscus:
- Knee pain or discomfort
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Locking or catching sensations, where the knee feels “stuck”
When Is Surgery Needed?
If a child with a discoid meniscus is experiencing significant pain or mechanical symptoms that affect their daily activities, surgery may be recommended. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed arthroscopically, where the surgeon reshapes the meniscus back into its natural C-shape. If the meniscus is found to be unstable or loose where it attaches to the bone (a common issue with discoid meniscus), the surgeon can reattach it during the same operation, restoring knee function and stability.
Case Example:
Meet Alex, a 10-year-old soccer enthusiast:
Alex had always been active, but he started noticing that his knee would lock up during soccer practice. At first, it only happened occasionally, but soon, the pain and stiffness became more frequent, making it difficult for him to run and enjoy the game. His parents brought him in for a consultation, and an MRI revealed that Alex had a discoid meniscus in his right knee.
After discussing treatment options, Alex’s family decided to go ahead with surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon discovered that not only was Alex’s meniscus disc-shaped, but it was also slightly loose where it connected to the bone. Using advanced arthroscopic techniques, the surgeon reshaped the meniscus and secured it back into place.
Just a few months after surgery, Alex was back on the soccer field, moving pain-free with full range of motion in his knee. His recovery was smooth, and he continues to enjoy sports with no limitations.
With timely diagnosis and treatment, most children with discoid meniscus can return to their favorite activities, pain-free. If your child is experiencing similar symptoms, consulting with an orthopedic specialist can help guide the next steps.