Disc meniscus
definition
A disc meniscus is an anatomical variant of a meniscus in the knee joint. The two menisci in the knee are cartilage discs that serve to align the joint surfaces of the femur and lower leg bones that do not exactly fit together.
Usually these menisci are roughly crescent-shaped. One speaks of a disc meniscus if one of these meniscuses instead has a disc shape and is larger than usual. Therefore, a disc meniscus extends to the edge of the shin bone.
In almost 95% of the cases, the change in shape affects the external meniscus. Both knees are affected in approximately one in five patients.
I would be happy to advise you!
Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me live every 6 weeks on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)
The knee joint is one of the most stressful joints.
Therefore, the treatment of the knee joint (e.g. meniscus tear, cartilage damage, cruciate ligament damage, runner's knee, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of knee diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of all treatment is treatment without surgery.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
You can find me in:
- Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
You can find more information about me at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert
frequency
There a Disc meniscus usually only late or does not lead to discomfort at all, it is difficult to determine how many people have this anatomical variant. However, it is assumed that between 0.4 and 17% are affected. It is noticeable that people in Asia, especially Japan, have a disc meniscus significantly more often than residents of western countries.
root cause
The reason why some people have a disc meniscus is still to this day not finally clarified. It is assumed, however, that this form deviation is not already innate is, but by certain Improper loads of the knee joint comes about.
Symptoms of a disc meniscus
Often a disc meniscus does not cause any discomfort. The first symptom often occurs between the sixth and eighth years of age on. This is because, due to size and weight, the disc meniscus typically occurs for the first time at this age burden of the knee between the Tibial plateau and the Thigh roll stuck. If such an entrapment is not recognized or not treated, it can lead to one at this point in the further course arthrosis come. When he's moved like that, it comes to you Snapwhich is noticeable when the joint moves. Occasionally this snap phenomenon is of Pain accompanied, which is classically at the Outside of the knee are localized. Otherwise, symptoms in people with disc meniscus only arise when it is too Injuries (especially Meniscal tear or detachment from the holding apparatus of the meniscus) of the meniscus. These injuries then go with the typical symptoms, so in particular Pain and Restrictions on movement hand in hand.
Diagnosis of a disc meniscus
Because a disc meniscus does not cause any discomfort to many people, it is often one Random diagnosisif for any other reason a Imaging of the knee joint. Occasionally one is enough X-ray image to make the diagnosis "disc meniscus", but more reliable for diagnosis Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI of the meniscus). This can also include the surrounding Holding apparatus judged and, for example, also a Meniscal tear to be established.
An MRI of the meniscus is the safest way to diagnose a disc meniscus.
You can also read more on this topic at: MRI of the meniscus
therapy
When a disc meniscus has a Incidental finding represents without a patient being affected by their presence, no therapy is necessary. However, should a disc meniscus be affected by the typical snap or Accompanying injuries treatment is recommended. This typically consists of a Partial meniscal resection. That means that under a surgery removing the small part of the meniscus that causes the disc shape. This creates the usual crescent shape. This procedure is usually done minimally invasive by a Jointoscopy (Arthroscopy) carried out. After an operation, one is initially carried out for a few days Partial relief using crutches, after which one should be used for a few weeks rail be worn. In addition, there always has to be a physical therapy done so that the Musculature of the knee joint is trained and thus the stability that remains guaranteed. Otherwise is with sporting activities to be careful in the first few months after an operation, it should be discussed with a doctor or physiotherapist.
forecast
When a disc meniscus unrecognized or untreated remains, secondary diseases such as arthrosis or Meniscus damage (for example Cracks) arise. However, once problems arise, a disc meniscus is relative Well and with few complications to treat. After an operation, those affected usually recover well and can use their knees in the same way as healthy people.
