Effects of arthroscopic meniscectomy on the long-term prognosis for the discoid lateral meniscus

Abstract

This study compared the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes, according to the extent of arthroscopic meniscectomy, of complete and incomplete types of the discoid lateral meniscus. A total of 125 discoid menisci (74 complete and 51 incomplete types) without significant cartilage erosion at the time of surgery were included. The extent of meniscectomy was decided along with tear patterns and the stability of the discoid meniscus. Both clinical and radiological results were evaluated after total or partial meniscectomy. In the complete type of discoid meniscus with less than 5 years of follow-up, the total meniscectomy group showed better clinical results than the partial meniscectomy group. However, with over 5 years of follow-up, there were no differences between the two groups. In the radiological results, there was no significant difference between the two groups during the first 5 years after operation. However, with more than 5 years of follow-up, the partial meniscectomy group showed better results than the total meniscectomy group. In the incomplete-type discoid meniscus, clinical results were better in the partial meniscectomy group regardless of the follow-up periods. In the radiological results, the partial meniscectomy group showed better results for only more than 5 years of follow-up. The long-term prognosis after arthroscopic meniscectomy for the torn discoid lateral meniscus was related to the volume of the meniscus removed.

What Factors Influence Long-term Survivorship After Hip Arthroscopy?

“…However, this study lacked any statistical analysis as a result of its small sample size (50 patients) and did not address survivorship. Although long-term followup studies exist for knee arthroscopy for meniscectomies and meniscal repairs [8,9,17,25], the conclusions from the knee cannot be extrapolated to the hip. Furthermore, results from short-and long-term studies of both hip and knee arthroscopy have resulted in conflicting conclusions [17].…”

“…Although long-term followup studies exist for knee arthroscopy for meniscectomies and meniscal repairs [8,9,17,25], the conclusions from the knee cannot be extrapolated to the hip. Furthermore, results from short-and long-term studies of both hip and knee arthroscopy have resulted in conflicting conclusions [17]. In one study, at an average followup of 5 years after hip arthroscopy, chondromalacia and osteoarthritis did not predict eventual THA or poor post-operative mHHS [15], whereas another study at 2 years followup, and the previously discussed study at 10 years followup [4], showed a clear influence of preoperative arthritis on postoperative surveys or the mHHS [4,10].…”

Cost effectiveness of meniscal allograft for torn discoid lateral meniscus in young women

“…The finding of a discoid meniscus is often incidental, but may become symptomatic if torn, most commonly in the posterior segment [1]. The shape, thickness, poor vascularization, and often flimsy capsular attachment cause discoid menisci to be prone to injury leading to pain, swelling, giving way, locking, and clunking [1,[5][6][7]. Discoid meniscal tears most commonly occur during childhood or adolescence, but some patients may reach middle age without an issue [1,8].…”

“…partial meniscectomy and saucerization) or transplant a whole meniscus in the form of a size-matched allograft [5,9]. Optimal management for this condition is controversial given the upfront cost differential between the two treatment options: the more expensive meniscal allograft transplantation compared with standard partial meniscectomy.…”

Prognostic factors affecting the outcome of arthroscopic saucerization in discoid lateral meniscus: a retrospective analysis of 48 cases

“…Previously, several authors investigated the outcomes of arthroscopic saucerization and reported promising results with few complications [3,4,6,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. However, prognostic factors affecting the final outcomes are not well studied in relevant literature.…”