Discoid Meniscus

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of knee cartilage that cushions the shin bone from the knee bone. A discoid meniscus occurs when the meniscus is thicker than normal, often oval or disc-shaped. When this happens, the meniscus is more prone to injury.

Causes

Discoid meniscus is present at birth and no apparent causes are known.

Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of discoid meniscus are:

• Pain
• Stiffness or swelling
• Unable to straighten the knee
• Popping, locking, or buckling of the knee

Diagnosis

To determine if your child has discoid meniscus, our specialists will perform a physical exam that may include flexibility tests, stress tests, muscle tests and gait analysis. These tests will help our specialized team better understand your child’s condition, assess range of motion and identify abnormalities that might occur in bone alignment or muscle function.

After a physical exam, our specialists may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, ultrasound or computed tomography.

Treatment

If the discoid meniscus is found but it is not causing any problems, treatment may not be necessary. However, if it is causing problems or discomfort, your doctor may recommend a procedure known as knee arthroscopy to determine the optimized approach to treatment. Most often, a discoid meniscus is treated with a surgical procedure called saucerization, in which the meniscus is cut and re-shaped into a crescent.

Recovery

Below are common exercises a doctor may recommend to help your child recover after a discoid meniscus is treated with saucerization. Always check with your doctor to find out which exercises are right for your child.

Stretching

Hamstring Stretch

• Lie on back and bring the affected leg towards the chest.
• Grab the back of the thigh and try to extend the leg.
• Your child may also try this with a towel around the foot if it is more comfortable.
• Hold for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

Quadriceps Stretch

• Stand sideways to a wall, about an arm’s length away from the wall, with your injured leg towards the outside.
• Facing straight ahead, keep the hand nearest the wall against the wall for support.
• With your other hand, grasp the ankle of your injured leg and pull your heel up toward your buttocks. Do not arch or twist your back.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds.
• Repeat three times.
• Note: This may also be done while lying on the opposite side and grasping the ankle of the affected leg. Do not arch or twist your back. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat three times.

Strengthening

Straight Leg Raise

• Sit on the floor with the injured leg straight and the other leg bent, foot on the floor.
• Pull the toes of the injured leg in as far as possible, while pressing the back of the knee down and tightening the muscles on the top of the thigh.
• Raise the leg six to eight inches off the floor and hold for 5 seconds.
• Slowly lower back to the floor.
• Complete 3 sets of 15.

Abduction

• Lie down on side with injured leg on top.
• Raise the injured leg six to eight inches off the table.
• Slowly lower back down.
• Complete 3 sets of 15.

Adduction

• Lie down on side with injured leg on bottom and uninjured leg crossed over injured leg resting on table.
• Raise the injured leg four to six inches off the table.
• Slowly lower back down.
• Complete 3 sets of 15.

Extension

• Lie down prone on stomach.
• Raise the injured leg four to six inches off the table.
• Slowly lower back down.
• Complete 3 sets of 15.

Bridges

• Lie with both knees bent and flat feed on the floor about hips with apart.
• Lift your hips up slowly so that only your feet and your upper back are on the floor.
• Be sure to keep your feet pointed forwards and don’t let your knees fall out to the side.
• Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, lower slowly.
• Repeat 15 times.