Long Term Results After Resection of the Discoid Meniscus in Children

Purpose : We retrospectively reviewed the long term results of arthroscopic resection of the discoid meniscus in children and evaluated postoperative clinical symptoms and radiological changes. Material and Method : The results of arthroscopic surgery in 27 symptomatic discoid menisci of 22 patients who were under 15 years old at the time of operation (average; 11 year 9 month old) were evaluated. Average follow-up period was 9 years 4 months (5 years-18 years 1 months). Clinical results were analyzed according to Ikeuchi's clinical grading system and radiological degenerative changes were classified according to Fairbank at the last follow-up. Results : According to Ikeuchi's grading system, excellent results were obtained in 10 cases (37.0%), good in 12 cases (44.4%), fair in 5 cases (18.5%). No radiological change was observed in 1 case (3.7%), 1 radiological sign in 5 cases (18.5%), 2 radiological signs in 13 cases (48.1%) and more than 3 radiological signs in 8 cases (29.6%) in the last follow-up radiograph. No correlation between clinical results and radiological changes. Conclusion : Arthroscopic resection of discoid meniscus in children was effective at relieving symptoms over a follow up of more than 5 years, though radiological degenerative changes occurred. We recommend that follow up is resuired to determine whether the clinical results of knees in middle or older age groups will worsen.