Summary

Saucerization for discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) can have the effect of preventing progression to the bone morphology characteristic of DLM.

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the effect of saucerization of knee joint morphology associated with a complete discoid lateral meniscus (DLM).

Methods

This retrospective study included cases performed saucerization between December 2007 and June 2022. All cases were divided by age group; under 12 (U12) and over 13 (O13). The following morphological parameters using magnetic resonance (MR) images were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively in each group: anterior obliquity of the lateral tibial plateau (AOLTP), posterior obliquity of the lateral tibial plateau (POLTP) and the lowest point of the lateral femoral condyle (LPLFC).

Results

A total of 77 cases were evaluated. 31 cases were in the U12 pre OP group and 46 in the O13 pre OP group. With minimal follow-up of 2 years, 27 cases in the U12 group and 36 in the O13 group were included. The mean age was 10 years in the U12 group and 19 years in the O13 group. The mean follow-up period was 4.6 years in the U12 group and 3.2 years in the O13 group. Preoperative case in the O13 group were matched with the age at the final follow-up of cases in the U12 group, resulting in 32 cases in the match group. The AOLTP was no significant difference between the U12 group and the match group (P=.665). In the match group, the inclination of the POLTP was significantly larger (P=.042) and the LPLFC was more lateral (P=.0034) than in the U12 group.

Conclusions

Saucerization for DLM can have the effect of preventing progression to the bone morphology characteristic of DLM.