Our Summary

The researchers in this study looked at two types of surgeries used to treat young patients with a specific type of knee injury called juvenile discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) with peripheral tear. They checked for any bone and cartilage damage after the surgery by using a specific MRI scoring system, and also looked at whether the location of the injury had any effect on the results.

They found that one type of surgery, called posterior subtotal meniscectomy, was more likely to lead to bone and cartilage damage than the other type, saucerization with stabilization, especially when the injury was at the back of the knee. They also found that age, gender, and the type of surgery all had a significant impact on whether bone and cartilage damage occurred.

In simpler terms, children and teenagers with this type of knee injury might have better outcomes if they have the saucerization with stabilization surgery, particularly when the tear is at the back of the knee.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were examined in this study on juvenile discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) with peripheral tear?
  2. Which type of surgery was found to lead to more bone and cartilage damage?
  3. Does the location of the knee injury affect the outcome of the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing meniscectomy surgery to discuss with their surgeon the specific type of surgery being performed and to inquire about any potential risks or benefits associated with each option. It is important to be informed and ask questions to ensure the best possible outcome for your knee injury.

Suitable For

Meniscectomy is typically recommended for patients with a torn meniscus, particularly those with persistent knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. It is also commonly recommended for patients with meniscus tears that are causing locking or catching in the knee joint. Meniscectomy may be recommended for patients who have not experienced improvement with conservative treatments such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, meniscectomy may be recommended for patients with complex tears or tears that cannot be repaired.

Timeline

Before the meniscectomy:

  • Patient experiences knee pain, swelling, and limited range of motion
  • Patient undergoes imaging tests (such as MRI) to diagnose the meniscus tear
  • Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy or corticosteroid injections

After the meniscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the damaged meniscus
  • Patient undergoes rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the knee
  • Patient may experience temporary pain and swelling post-surgery
  • Patient gradually returns to normal activities and sports with guidance from healthcare providers

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of surgery do you recommend for my specific type of knee injury, juvenile discoid lateral meniscus with peripheral tear?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the recommended surgery, particularly in terms of bone and cartilage damage?
  3. How does the location of the injury (front vs back of the knee) impact the choice of surgery and potential outcomes?
  4. How does age and gender factor into the decision-making process for choosing the appropriate surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following the recommended surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options or non-surgical approaches that could be considered for my condition?
  7. What are the long-term implications and potential for future knee problems after undergoing the recommended surgery?
  8. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle modifications I should follow post-surgery to optimize my recovery and prevent further damage to my knee?
  9. How frequently will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring to assess the success of the surgery and my overall knee health?
  10. Can you provide more information or resources for me to learn more about meniscectomy and the specific type of knee injury I have?

Reference

Authors: Hashimoto Y, Nishino K, Yamasaki S, Nishida Y, Tomihara T, Nakamura H. Journal: Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Aug;143(8):5157-5165. doi: 10.1007/s00402-022-04747-0. Epub 2023 Jan 3. PMID: 36595029