What is a Discoid Meniscus?

A discoid meniscus is an anatomical variation of the knee joint's meniscus, which is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).

In a normal knee, the meniscus is crescent-shaped, but in a discoid meniscus, it is thicker and almost completely covers the surface of the tibia. This can make the meniscus more prone to injury or tearing, and it may also predispose individuals to certain knee problems such as pain, swelling, and instability.

Treatment for a discoid meniscus may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to repair or remove the affected tissue.

 

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA

Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.