Results of Subtotal/Total or Partial Meniscectomy for Discoid Lateral Meniscus in Children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the midterm outcomes of subtotal/total meniscectomy with those of partial meniscectomy for symptomatic torn discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) in children and evaluate the correlation of chondral wear in the lateral compartment at index surgery with arthritic changes at final follow-up. Methods: We reviewed 43 knees in 36 patients aged less than 15 years who underwent arthroscopic procedures for torn DLMs between 1999 and 2004. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 9.5 years (range, 5 to 14 years), and the mean follow-up period was 4.3 years (range, 2.1 to 9.4 years). Of the 43 knees, 23 underwent partial meniscectomy and 20 underwent subtotal/total meniscectomy. The status of the articular cartilage at the time of surgery was analyzed with the Outerbridge grading system, and radiologic arthritic changes of the lateral compartment at final follow-up were evaluated by use of the classification of Tapper and Hoover. Results: Clinically excellent or good results at final follow-up were observed in 36 of 43 knees (83.7%). There was no difference between the partial and subtotal/total meniscectomy groups in terms of the presence of chondromalacia of the lateral compartment at the time of surgery. Radiologic arthritic changes at final follow-up were significantly more severe in the subtotal/total meniscectomy group than in the partial meniscectomy group (P