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Abstract

Background: Discoid menisci (DM) are oval or disc shaped menisci, differing from the normal crescent shaped meniscus. This difference in shape may be one factor as to why DM are more prone to injury when compared to normal menisci. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential risk factors that may lead to the development of symptoms, requiring arthroscopic saucerization in adolescents with a history of symptomatic DM in the contralateral extremity. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 126 patients with an arthroscopic diagnosis of DM to evaluate for the presence of a symptomatic contralateral DM variant. Mildly symptomatic DM status was identified by patient need for operative intervention, including a pain or popping sensation of the knee. We performed statistical analysis to identify potential risk factors predisposing patients to the development of symptomatic DM in the contralateral extremity, ultimately requiring operative intervention. Results: Of the 126 patients identified with lateral DM, 21 patients had a subsequent symptomatic contralateral DM that required operative intervention, while the remaining 105 patients may have had an asymptomatic DM variant of the contralateral knee. Patients who actively participated in sports, particularly basketball, and patients less than 10.8 years old were at higher risk for developing symptomatic contralateral DM requiring operative intervention. Conclusions: Younger patients participating in athletics presenting with symptomatic lateral DM are at increased risk of developing symptoms requiring operative intervention in the contralateral knee.

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